BREAKING -- It is now official: a Florida prosecutor has called a news conference in the Trayvon Martin death case for 6pET today (watch it live here on The Ed Show blog or on msnbc) in Jacksonville.
A law enforcement official tells NBC News that criminal charges will be filed against George Zimmerman, 28. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, shot Martin, 17, on Feb. 26 .
The nature of the charges weren't immediately known, the official told NBC News Justice Department correspondent Pete Williams, speaking on condition of anonymity. But because Angela Corey, the special prosecutor appointed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott to re-examine the case, previously announced that she wouldn't take the case to a grand jury, first-degree murder is not an option.
Martin's father, Tracy Martin, said he was looking forward to Corey's announcement.
"It's 44 days later, and George Zimmerman is still walking free," Martin said at a news conference during a meeting of the National Action Network in Washington. "It's 44 days later, and my son is in a mausoleum."
Ed will have full coverage, reaction and analysis tonight on The Ed Show at 8pET on msnbc!