Not guilty verdict sets Zimmerman free but divides community

Before the jury in the George Zimmerman murder case brought back its verdict, the judge warned those in the court against any untoward displays of emotion or outbursts.

Zimmerman stood at the defendant's table with his lawyers, and the verdict of not guilty was read. He seemed not to move a muscle until the jurors were taken out of the courtroom with the judge's thanks.

Then, like a deflating balloon, the tension drained out of his face. A small smile began at the corners of his mouth and very slowly spread. Within seconds, he turned to shake the hands of his defence team, Mark O'Mara and Don West. Zimmerman, who had been free on bail, looked up at the judge.

"Your bond will be released," Judge Debra Nelson told him. "Your GPS monitor will be cut off and you have no further business with this court."

Then the defendant's side of the court exploded in hugs. Zimmerman hugged his wife, Shellie, and friends who have waited during the long trial that began with jury selection last month.

Zimmerman's parents, Robert and Gladys Zimmerman, hugged each other. Gladys Zimmerman reached over to hug lawyers West and O'Mara, who broke out in smiles.