Civil Liberties

Trial of George Zimmerman to Begin

Shot and killed Trayvon Martin, claiming self-defense

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 When pastors, parishioners and the parents of slain teenager Trayvon Martin gathered in church recently to remember him, the mood differed from one that had prevailed at such vigils 15 months ago, when anger and sadness drove speakers to rail against a justice system that had let a killer walk free.

This time, a choir belted out an upbeat, fast-tempo version of "We Shall Overcome." Hundreds of people in the pews stood and pounded their hands together in hearty applause, as if greeting two rock stars, when Martin's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, walked up the long aisle to the altar.