Trayvon Martin's parents have settled a wrongful death claim for an amount believed to be more than $1 million against a Florida homeowners association where their teen son was killed, Fox News confirms.
Trayvon was shot and killed by Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2012.
Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder, but he says he fired in self defense after the 17-year-old attacked him.
In paperwork made public, both parties specified that they would keep the settlement amount confidential, The Orlando Sentinel reported.
“It is understood and agreed that the payment made herein is not to be construed as an admission of any liability by or on behalf of the releasing parties; but instead the monies being paid hereunder is consideration for avoiding litigation, the uncertainties stemming from litigation as well as to protect and secure the good name and good will of the released parties,” the settlement said.
Benjamin Crump, the Martins' attorney, had “no comment on that subject," he told The Orlando Sentinel.
The document released from the settlement has eliminated the specific amount of the settlement, as well as the names of the parties and people making payment.
The homeowners association president did not return the newspaper’s calls seeking comment on the amount.
Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O’Mara said the teen’s parents tried to settle through mediation and the association had offered $1 million, but they had reportedly rejected this amount, OrlandoSentinel.com reported.
A hearing in which Zimmerman will argue he was acting in self-defense is scheduled for April. The judge has said that hearing will be at least 45 days before the trial. The settlement will not affect the criminal case.
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