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The U.S. Justice Department is unlikely to bring civil rights charges against George Zimmerman, who shot and killed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012, despite allegations that that the killing was racially motivated. The investigation was opened two years ago, after the incident triggered protests across the country.

The Justice Departments civil rights division investigated Zimmerman, but officials now say that they do not have enough evidence to bring federal charges against him, the Washington Post reported. Martins family attorney reportedly said that they have not heard a final decision from U.S. officials on the case while a spokesperson for the Department reportedly said that the investigation is active and ongoing.

Zimmermanwasacquittedof a second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in a state trial in Florida, despite several demands to Attorney General Eric H. Holder that a federalcivil rights caseshould be opened against him.

I was watching the whole case pretty closely for two years, and they didnt do anything except take those 40 statements, Mark OMara, Zimmermans attorney said,accordingto the Washington Post, adding that the statements suggested that George acted in very non-racist ways. He took a black girl to the prom. His best buddy was a black guy. He mentored two black kids. He sought justice for a black homeless man beaten up by a white cops son.

To those who have seen civil rights investigations and civil rights violations, OMara added, It looked as though the Department of Justice was just placating pressure that existed by suggesting there was an ongoing investigation.

Martin was unarmed whenZimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, shot and killed him. Prosecutors in a civil rights case would not only have to prove that Zimmerman followedMartinbecause of his race, but would also have to prove that his shooting of Martin was racially motivated.

These are very difficult cases to make, a law enforcement official who knew about the case told the Washington Post, adding: There is a high burden. We have to prove that a person was doing this with the intent of depriving someone of his civil rights.

Read more here:
George Zimmerman May Not Face Civil Rights Charges In Trayvon Martin's Death Case