George Zimmerman 'not guilty' plea at arraignment for Trayon Martin killing
(CBS) SANFORD, Fla. - A written plea of not guilty was entered today on behalf George Zimmerman, the central Florida neighborhood watch leader who's charged with murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Pictures: George Zimmerman faces murder charges
Zimmerman did not attend Tuesday's formal arraignment in Seminole County, where the juget set a pre-trial hearing date of Aug. 8, CBS affiliate WKMG reported.
Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, filed the not guilty plea on behalf of his 28-year-old client and waived Zimmerman's appearance. O'Mara also waived Zimmerman's right to a speedy trial in filing for a continuance, citing the need for more time to prepare the defense case.
In another development, O'Mara said that of the $200,000 raised by Zimmerman's now-defunct website, just under $50,000 is being used for his security and setting up his living arrangements in hiding. The other $150,000 has been turned over to an independent administrator to manage.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in Martin's Feb. 26 shooting death in Sanford.
Martin's family and supporters claim the black teen was a victim of racial profiling.
Zimmerman has claimed Martin attacked him and that he fired in self-defense.
Complete coverage of the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case on Crimesider