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UPDATE: Sanford police chief to remain in office after city won’t accept resignation

SANFORD, FL (RNN) – The police chief criticized for not arresting neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, 28, after he shot and killed Trayvon Martin, 17, is set to resign permanently today, according to multiple media reports.

The Sanford Herald reports city commissioners will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. ET to discuss a severance package for Bill Lee Jr., who resigned temporarily March 22.

“I’m aware that my role as the leader of this agency has become a distraction,” Lee said at a press conference March 22. “It is my hope the process would move swiftly and thoroughly through the justice system.”

An agenda on the City Commission’s site said the group would discuss the “adoption of a resolution relating to the police department.” City Manager Norton Bonaparte Jr. would not confirm to the Herald that the resolution had to do with Lee.

Zimmerman shot and killed Martin on Feb. 26 after calling police to report he had seen a suspicious person in his gated neighborhood on the outskirts of Orlando, FL. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder April 11.

Zimmerman has maintained he shot the teen in self-defense. He was released on bail early Monday morning.

He could face life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Martin’s death sparked outrage and protests across the country and brought Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law into question. Police officers said the law was the reason Zimmerman was not arrested at the scene.

The law allows the use of deadly force without the duty to retreat whenever someone feels his or her life is in danger.

http://www.19actionnews.com/

Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News

CLICK HERE for the latest UPDATES on Trayvon Martin Case

TRAYVON MARTIN: Sanford, FL Police Chief Officially Resigns [UPDATE]  was originally published on wzakcleveland.com