BREAKING NEWS: George Zimmerman Granted $150K Bail, Apologizes To Trayvon Martin's Family

A Florida judge has allowed George Zimmerman to post $150,000 bail after being placed in custody this month on a second-degree murder charge for the killing of 17 year-old Trayvon Martin.
Although granted bail, Zimmerman is not permitted to leave custody today (April 20).

A judge has granted bail for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer charged with killing Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, but would not allow his release Friday, citing further discussions needed about the terms, including whether or not he would be allowed out of state. Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester also said that Zimmerman must not have any contact with the victim's family; must wear an ankle monitoring bracelet; and adhere to a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. The judge's order also states that Zimmerman cannot be in possession of firearms; and must not consume alcohol or controlled substances. (CBS News)

In court, Zimmerman also used the opportunity to publicly apologize to the Martin family.

George Zimmerman surprised a Florida court today by taking the stand and apologizing to the parents of Trayvon Martin, who were sitting in the courtroom during Zimmerman's bond hearing. "I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit older than I was," Zimmerman said addressing Martin's family directly. Zimmerman took the stand wearing a dark suit with his hands shackled to a belt around his waist. (ABC News)

Earlier this month, he pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge.

A handcuffed George Zimmerman, charged with killing unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday and his lawyer said a not guilty plea was entered on his "frightened" client's behalf. The neighborhood watch volunteer's lawyer, Mark O'Mara, also said he wanted Zimmerman to be released on bond, but not until he could secure a safe place for him to stay while he faces murder charges in the February 26 killing of 17-year-old Martin in a quiet gated community in the central Florida town of Sanford. (Reuters)

In light of the publicized murder, hip-hop artists like Plies and Wyclef Jean have rallied up support for the Martin family.

The Trayvon Martin case has gavilinzed the hip-hop community and has spawned several tribute songs in memory of the late teen. Following in the footsteps of Plies, rapper Wyclef Jean released his tribute song 'Justice (If You're 17),' in honor of Martin who was shot and killed by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman on Feb. 26. On the acoustic guitar-driven tune, Wyclef cautions young teens to be careful when walking alone on the streets. "If you're 17 with a hoodie on / Watch out for the neighborhood watcher," he warns. He then adds, "If you're 17 / You should learn the law / Fight with your mind / Stronger than arms / Make no mistake / There's one like you / On every block / And every country." But the focal point is Trayvon Martin, and the former Fugee doesn't forget about the slain 17-year-old teen. "He could have been the next president / He could have been the next Steve Jobs / He could have been the next astronaut / So, until we can get justice / We won't stop," he croons. (Pop Crush)