SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin defended their son from new claims, involving drugs and an alleged attack on George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Martin on Feb. 26. as he was returning from a 7-Eleven.
Martin's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracey Martin, defended their son and his reputation, during a news conference outside the church.
"Even in death, they are still disrespecting my son." Tracey Martin.
"They’ve killed my son and now they are trying to kill his reputation," said Fulton.
Martin had never been arrested, but had been suspended from school. According to ABC News, Martin was suspended from school for 10 days for possession of marijuana. A baggie was found in his book bag containing traces of marijuana.
The family's attorney called it irrelevant to the case.
It's been one month since the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin, and the lack of arrest in the case has sparked national outrage.
All over the country, people are calling for Zimmerman's arrest.
Joe Oliver, a former news reporter and Zimmerman's friend, said he's known Zimmerman for 10 years, and is working as a consultant to Zimmerman.
"Who is he?" WFTV reporter Daralene Jones asked.
"He's a good man who's trying to do the right thing, and it turned out horribly wrong," said Olicer, who broke down in tears.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed to WFTV specific details that led to the shooting, according to Zimmerman.
Zimmerman told investigators during one written statement and two recorded statements that Martin confronted him, they got into an argument and the teenager knocked him out with one punch to the nose.
Zimmerman also said that Martin then got on top of him and there was a struggle over Zimmerman's gun.
He said Martin rammed his head into the sidewalk, which is why he had blood pouring from the back of his head.
However, Martin's parents denied their son had a violent temper when WFTV spoke with them one-on-one.
"He would defend himself, whatever it takes for him to save his life, just like anybody else," said Tracey Martin.
Sanford's city manager appointed a new acting police chief on Monday.
During a noon news conference held by the city of Sanford at the Sanford Museum, the interim Sanford Chief of Police Captain Darren Scott talked about the case.
"The event that has recently occurred here in Sanford has certainty taken a toll on everyone," said Scott. "We do have a system in place, a legal system, it may not be perfect, but it’s the only one we have, and I ask everyone to let it take its course."
Scott is a 23-year veteran with the department. He would not comment on the Martin investigation, but urged the community to remain calm.
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee temporarily stepped aside last week, but he is still being paid.
Meanwhile, thousands of people rallied in Sanford on Monday at Fort Mellon Park to demand justice for Martin.
Trayvon's family is expected to deliver a petition with more than 1 million signatures, during a rally, demanding the arrest of Zimmerman.
The rally began at Centennial Park and is expected to end at the Sanford Civic Center, which is next to Fort Mellon Park.
The Sanford City Commission started its special town hall meeting on the Trayvon Martin shooting, where his family will address the commission.
Sanford leaders asked the public to remain calm and civil during the town hall meeting. Maitland police have been asked to help provide security at the office of Zimmerman's employer, Digital Risk.
Zimmerman hasn't been seen at work since the shooting happened.
Police told WFTV the action was taken out of an abundance of caution, in case angry protestors show up at the office complex.
From coast-to-coast, across the country, thousands of Martin supporters marched, protested and demanded the arrest of Zimmerman.
In Fort Lauderdale, Martin supporters boarded a bus and headed for the Sanford rally.
Students at the University of Louisville in Kentucky held a memorial and vigil for Martin.
In Baltimore, Maryland, supporters made signs for a march and a vigil outside of city hall.
In Phoenix, Arizona, protesters wearing hooded sweatshirts filled the streets, also demanding justice for Martin.