George Zimmerman, the killer of Trayvon Martin, was released from jail after posting the $1 million bond that was set the day before by a Florida judge. The bail ruling included new restrictions on Zimmerman, saying he believes the suspect may have been planning to flee the country to avoid prosecution in the killing of Trayvon.

Zimmerman had been in jail for weeks after being charged with second-degree murder in the killing of the unarmed 17-year-old student in Sanford, Florida. The release came after his defense team issued an impassioned plea for contributions to help with the legal expenses related to the case.

“We steadfastly maintain that George Zimmerman acted in self-defense and that he is not guilty of second degree murder,” the defense attorneys said on the website George Zimmerman Legal Case. 

The lawyers added that contributions to Zimmerman’s defense have declined over the last few months and that it was important that donations be made by sympathetic Americans.

“While Mr. Zimmerman has been in jail awaiting his bond hearing, donations to the George Zimmerman Legal Defense fund have significantly decreased,” the message said on the website. 

“Supporters have told us they were concerned that the court would set such a high bond that getting George out of jail could risk wiping out the entire defense account,” it continues. “It appears that they were right. However, George needs an aggressive defense and to help with that he also needs to be out of jail with his wife and family assisting his legal team.”

The web site message was posted after Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Lester granted bond for a second time to Zimmerman. The shooter of the unarmed teenager had been previously released on $150,000 bail in April.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool)