George Zimmerman is a former American criminal defendant who gained notoriety after being accused of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012. He was acquitted by a jury in 2013 and has since become a polarizing figure in American culture.
George Zimmerman’s net worth is reportedly as high as $10 million, primarily due to his involvement in several high-profile cases. In addition to his legal entanglements, he runs an online business selling paintings and other memorabilia related to his terrible case.
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Early Life
George Michael Zimmerman was born in Manassas, Virginia, on October 5, 1983, to Robert Zimmerman Sr and Gladys Mesa Zimmerman. George Zimmerman’s brother is Robert Zimmerman Jr, and his sisters are Dawn Zimmerman and Grace Zimmerman.
He attended Osbourn Park High School, earning a degree in business management in 2001. After high school, he worked as an insurance salesman and became a criminal justice student at Seminole State College of Florida.
George Zimmerman Ethnicity
Robert Zimmerman Sr., his father, was an American of German descent. Gladys Cristina (née Mesa) Zimmerman, Robert’s mother, was born in Peru, with her great-grandmother being Afro-Peruvian.
Trayvon Martin Shooting
On February 26, 2012, George Zimmerman fatally shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old African American high school student. Zimmerman had been patrolling the neighborhood as a volunteer for the neighborhood watch program in Sanford, Florida. He spotted Martin walking through the area and called 911 to report a “suspicious person.”
According to the police chief, Zimmerman was let go due to a lack of evidence that could disprove his claim of self-defense under Florida’s stand-your-ground statute, which legally barred them from making any arrests. The police chief confirmed that Zimmerman’s use of lethal force in self-defense was legally justified.
As the story spread, thousands of protesters took to the streets in multiple cities across America, demanding Zimmerman’s arrest and an extensive examination. Six weeks later, with overpowering media coverage, a special prosecutor assigned by Governor Rick Scott filed murder charges against Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was later charged with second-degree murder and controversially acquitted by a jury in 2013. His acquittal sparked nationwide protests and a federal civil rights investigation, which resulted in no charges being brought against him.
Post Acquittal
Following his acquittal after fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman has become a figurehead among white supremacists and other extremist groups.
His acquittal on second-degree murder charges in 2013 has been viewed by many as a clear example of systemic racism in the criminal justice system, making him a symbol of hate in some circles.
Zimmerman is often the subject of inflammatory rhetoric, and in recent years he has been associated with far-right organizations in the United States.
Despite his public appearances, Zimmerman has remained mainly out of the public eye in recent years. He was arrested for battery in 2016 and accused of stalking a private investigator he had hired to follow his ex-wife, but the courts dismissed both incidents.
George Zimmerman’s wife, Shellie, said she stood by her man “through everything,” but when he was acquitted of murder charges, he left her with “a bunch of pieces of broken glass.” The couple has since divorced. However, Zimmerman reportedly has continued to provide Shellie with funds through the Zimmerman Legal Defense Fund.
George Zimmerman Net Worth 2023
As of January 2023, George Zimmerman’s net worth is, unfortunately, $10 million.
Most of his fortune has come from selling merchandise related to his case and paintings. George Zimmerman’s legal team has managed to keep most of his dealings under wraps.
Paintings Sales
George Zimmerman has taken up painting as a “creative outlet,” turning to art to process his experiences and make some of his money. In late December, his first piece of artwork depicting an American flag sold for a staggering $100,099.99 on eBay.
Gun Sale
On May 11, 2016, Zimmerman stirred controversy with a post about his plan to auction off the gun he used to shoot Martin. Despite pushback from critics of his decision, Zimmerman clarified that the Justice Department had recently returned his ownership rights over the weapon. Thus it was his right as owner to sell it – an “American Firearm icon” in its own right.
Zimmerman promised that the proceeds of his gun sale would be used to combat violence against law enforcement officers committed by members of Black Lives Matter, as well as put an end to Angela Corey’s “unfair prosecutions” and Hillary Clinton’s anti-gun stance.
After offering the weapon for sale, Zimmerman argued that he had decided to sell it in direct response to Clinton’s “promotion of a false campaign for the Trayvon Martin Foundation” and accused her of misstating the shooting circumstances.
Before the scheduled commencement of the auction on May 12, the weapon listing was taken down.
Gunbroker.com, the original auction site for George Zimmerman’s gun listing, quickly released a statement saying they wanted to remain completely separate from this post and its public attention. In response, Zimmerman reposted his firearm on another website called United Gun Group – which nearly instantaneously crashed due to the amount of web traffic caused by the post itself.
Martin Shkreli showed genuine interest in the firearm, intending to either demolish it or exhibit it in a museum. Moderators uncovered numerous fraudulent actions on bidding websites too. Ultimately, Zimmerman accepted an offer of $250,000 for the gun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Zimmerman worth?
As of January 2023, George Zimmerman’s net worth is around $10 million. Most of his fortune has come from selling merchandise related to his case and paintings.
Does George Zimmerman have Instagram?
No, Zimmerman does not have an Instagram account.
What was George Zimmerman’s job?
George Zimmerman was a former criminal justice systems night watchman. He was also employed as an insurance underwriter before becoming a neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012.
How tall is George Zimmerman?
George Zimmerman is 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) tall.
What was Zimmerman’s sentence?
George Zimmerman was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. He has since kept a relatively low profile, avoiding further high-profile legal complications.
Where does George Zimmerman live?
George Zimmerman currently lives in Florida. He has stated that he intends to stay there for the foreseeable future.
Is George Zimmerman married?
George Zimmerman used to be married to Shellie Zimmerman. The two have since divorced.
Key Takeaway
It’s hard to believe that George Zimmerman managed to make a fortune after the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Yet, despite all the controversy and criticism, he still found ways to capitalize off his notoriety by selling merchandise related to his case and paintings.
While it may be difficult for some people to accept this reality, it’s important to remember what happened in 2012 and use that knowledge to create positive change. We must continue working together against racism and injustice so tragedies like this never happen again.
DISCLAIMER: George Zimmerman’s reported net worth is an estimate based on publicly available information associated with the case. This figure may not reflect his actual financial position, as some assets and income may be undisclosed or undisclosed to the public. The accuracy of this figure is further diminished by any personal expenses he may have incurred since 2012. This article does not constitute financial advice of any sort. The information provided here should be used for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any decisions about your own finances or investments. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.