(CNN) — Forty-seven days after Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in a Sanford, Florida, neighbourhood, a solemn George Zimmerman made his first court appearance today, wearing gray jail coveralls and speaking only a few words as his arraignment was set for next month.
Zimmerman faces a charge of second degree murder in the 17-year-old’s death.
Seminole County Judge Mark Herr, who spoke via a closed-circuit television connection during the four-minute hearing, set Zimmerman’s arraignment for May 29 and said all matters including bond and further motions in the case will be handled by Circuit Court Judge Jessica Recksiedler going forward.
As the conclusion of the hearing, Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, asked that records containing personal information on witnesses, including addresses and telephone numbers in some cases, be sealed. As nothing else besides the probable cause affidavit had been filed in court today, Herr said Recksiedler will address a motion to seal the file.
O’Mara did not ask that Zimmerman be released on bond, although he said earlier in the day he wanted his client released as soon as possible.
He did note, however, that being out on bail could jeopardize Zimmerman’s safety.
