George Zimmerman, acquitted of killing unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin in 2012, is suing the boy’s family and others for more than $100 million, his attorney has announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, was acquitted a year later in the shooting death of Martin, who was walking home from a Sanford, Florida, convenience store.
The lawsuit, filed against Martin’s parents, attorney Benjamin Crump, several prosecutors, the State of Florida and others, seeks $100 million in damages. The suit alleges defamation and references information about the case that was included in a documentary.
Crump issued a statement on his behalf and the behalf of Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton, and Tracy Martin.
“I have every confidence that this unfounded and reckless lawsuit will be revealed for what it is – another failed attempt to defend the indefensible and a shameless attempt to profit off the lives and grief of others,” the statement reads. “This plaintiff continues to display a callous disregard for everyone but himself, revictimizing individuals whose lives were shattered by his own misguided actions. He would have us believe that he is the innocent victim of a deep conspiracy, despite the complete lack of any credible evidence to support his outlandish claims.”
