Zimmerman back in hiding

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.

George Zimmerman, who slipped out of jail on $150,000 bail in the early morning darkness, went back into hiding Monday and likely fled to another state to avoid threats as he awaits his second-degree murder trial for the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Even though authorities can pinpoint his location with a GPS ankle bracelet Zimmerman must wear 24-7, the public may not see him again for some time. Zimmerman has waived his appearance at his upcoming arraignment next month, so he can stay underground if he wants.

His release from jail came less than a day before the Sanford city commission rejected the resignation of the police chief harshly criticized for his handling of the Martin case.

The commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to reject the resignation of Bill Lee. The majority blamed the uproar surrounding Martin’s death on outsiders.

Police did not initially charge Zimmerman.

Zimmerman already has experience laying low: For more than a month before his arrest, he eluded the media, and his whereabouts were not known. His attorney has suggested he had several options for where Zimmerman can stay this time, and a judge indicated he was willing to let Zimmerman leave the state.

Until the next time he must come before a judge, Zimmerman will have to skip such routine pleasures as eating in a restaurant or taking a long stroll outside, said Jose Baez, a former attorney for Casey Anthony. Anthony, acquitted last summer of killing her 2-year-old daughter, went into hiding after her release from jail.

“He may be free, but he’s not free,” Baez said.