Feds to investigate fatal shooting of Fla. teen

March 20, 2012 at 12:12p.m.

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — A grand jury will convene in central Florida to consider the case of an unarmed black teen who was fatally shot by a neighborhood watch captain.

In a statement released today, Seminole County State Attorney Norm Wolfinger urged the public to be patient as the investigation unfolds. He said grand jurors will meet April 10.

The announcement follows the Justice Department’s decision to launch an investigation into the February shooting.

Police say 28-year-old George Zimmerman claims he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense during a confrontation in a gated community in Sanford. Police have described Zimmerman as white; his family says he is Hispanic and not racist.

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton is expected to join Sanford city leaders in a town hall meeting this evening to discuss the investigation.