Report: FBI considering hate crime charge against George Zimmerman

George Zimmerman makes a 1st court appearance on a second degree murder charge in Seminole County, Fla.
Photographer: WFTS
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Posted: 05/15/2012

By: Kristal Roberts

SANFORD, Fla. - The FBI is considering a hate crime charge against George Zimmerman, according to Orlando station WFTV.

Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder after he fatally shot unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February.

If a jury finds him guilty, the charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

If the FBI and prosecutors can prove Zimmerman intentionally went after and shot Martin because he is African-American, the sentence could escalate to the death penalty.

Zimmerman said he shot the teen in self defense, because Martin punched, kicked and knocked him to the ground.

But there are new details on the evidence in the case against Zimmerman.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Zimmerman's attorney received a data download from prosecutors including more than 60 CDs, Zimmerman's phone records, dozens of witness statements and interviews, including those of 18 Sanford Police officers.

There is also video from the 7-eleven store where Trayvon reportedly purchased Skittles and Arizona iced tea and from a clubhouse at Twin Lakes, the townhouse complex where the teen was killed.