After being found not guilty of killing Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman may now have to face the rest of his life in hiding from the public eye. INSIDE EDITION explains.
George Zimmerman may have been found not guilty in the death of Travyon Martin, but he may never truly be free.
As angry protests rage around the nation, Zimmerman remains in hiding in fear for his life.
Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara told INSIDE EDITION, "He is in fear. He doesn't fear being put in prison for the rest of his life, but now he fears that somebody that doesn't accept the verdict hurting him."
George Zimmerman has not been seen since he walked out of the courthouse in Sanford, Florida, a free man. According to one report, he may have already left the state to escape the threats being made on his life.
Zimmerman's brother, Robert told CNN that he's in disguise when he goes out and sometimes even puts on a bullet proof vest.
Robert said, “The threats are vile, they're vicious, and they’re disgusting.”
The gun used to shoot Travyon Martin will be returned to Zimmerman and his attorney, Don West, says Zimmerman is very likely to carry it. “I don't know how he could not lawfully carry a gun at this point, this is the worst time in his life, isn't it?” he said.
Zimmerman's attorneys blamed the media in part for the backlash against their client.
O'Mara said at a press conference, "He didn't know why he was turned into this monster, but quite honestly, you guys had a lot to do with it. You just did."
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is apologizing today for an incendiary tweet he sent following the verdict. He tweeted: "Zimmerman doesn't last a year before the hood catches up with him." He deleted the tweet and apologized calling it a 'mistake' adding: "I believe conversation not confrontation leads to change and progress."
So, what will life be like for George Zimmerman going forward?
INSIDE EDITION spoke to security expert Lou Palumbo.
Palumbo said, "The thing I would say is key to him right now is relocating to a more friendly environment. I think that is essential. He has got to locate an area of the country that has not followed the case, that isn't as emotionally driven, and does not have the demographic there that is prone to the reaction to this verdict."
Zimmerman's situation is being compared to Casey Anthony’s. Dubbed "The most hated woman in America", she was acquitted last year of murdering her daughter, Caylee, and now lives in a secret location, rarely venturing outside.
Zimmerman is said to be considering going to law school in the wake of his experience in the legal system.
Palumbo said, "There is no question in my mind that his life is at risk. The emotion behind this case, and the circumstances of this shooting are highly problematic for his safety."
