The Complete Timeline of the Trayvon Martin Case

An examination of the most important events in the case.

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Complex Original

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On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot and killed by 28-year-old George Zimmerman, the self-appointed neighborhood watch leader at the Retreat at Twin Lakes, a gated community in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman was initially questioned by the Sanford Police Department, but he claimed self-defenese under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, and was released without being charged. Within three weeks, the story went national, sparking outrage that an unarmed teenager had been killed without anyone being charged with the crime. After intense pressure, Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder last April. The trial begins today.

Over the past 15 months, Trayvon Martin's killing has become a lightning rod for issues of race, crime, self-defense, and even gun control. This timeline highlights the most significant moments of the case in chronological order, and tracks the shifting media coverage and public opinion.

Written by Julian Kimble (@JRK316)

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Trayvon Martin Is Shot and Killed by George Zimmerman

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The Story of Trayvon Martin's Killing Goes National

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911 Calls From the Night of the Shooting Are Released

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Video Footage of George Zimmerman From the Night of the Shooting Leaks

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Enhanced Footage From the Night of the Shooting Emerges

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George Zimmerman's Lawyers Withdraw From the Case

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George Zimmerman Charged with Second-Degree Murder

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George Zimmerman Ordered to Remain in Custody Until Arraignment

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George Zimmerman's Bond Set at $150,000

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George Zimmerman Is Released After Posting Bond

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George Zimmerman Enters "Not Guilty" Plea to the Charge of Second-Degree Murder

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Evidence in the Case Is Released

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Judge Revokes George Zimmerman's Bond

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George Zimmerman Returns to Prison

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George Zimmerman's Bond Set at $1 Million

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George Zimmerman Posts Bond

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Images of Trayvon Martin's Bloodied Clothes Are Released

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George Zimmerman Gives Sean Hannity His First Interview Since the Shooting

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Tests Indicate That Trayvon Martin's DNA Was Not Found on George Zimmerman's Gun

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Judge Rejects George Zimmerman's Request to Remove GPS Tracking Device

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Judge Denies George Zimmerman's Request to Delay Trial, Announces Trial Date

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George Zimmerman's Defense Announces Plans to Waive Right to "Stand Your Ground" Hearing

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George Zimmerman Appears in Court for Pretrial Hearing

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George Zimmerman's Defense Releases Texts and Photos from Trayvon Martin

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Judge Decides on Limited Use of Trayvon Martin's Photos and Texts

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Voice Experts Testify That Screams for Help on 911 Call Don't Match Zimmerman's Voice

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George Zimmerman's Defense Releases Video Which Allegedly Contains Trayvon Martin's Voice

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