Shooter charged with murder of US black teen

JACKSONVILLE: Prosecutors Wednesday charged a neighborhood watch guard with second-degree murder in the killing of an unarmed US black teenager that sparked nationwide anger amid suspicions it was racially motivated.

"Today, we filed an information charging George Zimmerman with murder in the second degree," Florida state attorney general Angela Corey told a press conference.

"I can tell you, we did not come to this decision lightly," she added after a weeks-long investigation into the February 26 death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, adding that Zimmerman - who is Hispanic - was in custody in Florida.

Zimmerman stands accused of fatally shooting Martin inside a gated community in the central town of Sanford, as the teen - wearing a hoodie on the rainy night - was headed home after buying candy at a convenience store.

Zimmerman described the teen as "real suspicious," according to police transcripts. Martin's family and supporters say the teenager may have been the victim of racial profiling.

But Zimmerman's supporters say Martin attacked first, breaking Zimmerman's nose before knocking him to the ground and repeatedly slamming his head against the sidewalk. They insist Zimmerman fired in self-defense.

A controversial Florida law allows the use of deadly force when a person senses a reasonable fear of death or serious injury.

A bond hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, Zimmerman's new defense attorney Mark O'Mara told CNN, adding his client would plead not guilty.

Authorities booked Zimmerman into jail at the Polk Correctional Facility at 8:30 pm Wednesday (0030 GMT Thursday) on a second degree murder charge.

The case has touched a raw nerve in the US public regarding race and violence - and O'Mara said his client was "concerned about getting a fair trial." (AFP)