An internal investigation is underway on Tuesday at the Sanford Police Department, as police try to figure out who leaked information about George Zimmerman's statement to investigators the night Trayvon Martin was shot and killed.
Martin's parents said they are furious about the new developments. They said the people at the police department are trying to tarnish Trayvon's reputation.
It's been a month since the shooting, but now a friend of 28-year-old Zimmerman is defending him.
Zimmerman's friend Joe Oliver said Zimmerman was trying to do the right thing, but it went terribly wrong.
"He didn't do anything except defend himself. It became a life and death situation," said Oliver.
WFTV asked Oliver why Zimmerman said he shot the unarmed 17-year-old.
"When the evidence comes out, you'll get the answer," said Oliver.
"Is he remorseful?" WFTV asked.
"He's extremely remorseful; cried for days after it happened," said Oliver.
Oliver would not go into details, but WFTV confirmed that Zimmerman told police he walked away from Martin when the non-emergency 911 operator he called instructed him to go back to his car.
That's when Zimmerman said Martin allegedly confronted him and then punched him in the nose so hard Zimmerman fell and bashed his head on the sidewalk.
Then Zimmerman pulled out his gun and shot Trayvon.
Some of the folks who support Trayvon said they do not believe that story. Others said even if Martin did punch him, that would not give Zimmerman a reason to kill.
Sources said that Zimmerman did not go to the hospital that night, but he did go later and provide police a picture of his injuries.
WFTV also learned that there may be an eyewitness to the altercation between Martin and Zimmerman.
WFTV also learned that Martin was in Sanford that weekend because he was suspended from school for 10 days, after officials caught him with a bag that had traces of marijuana.
The attorney for Martin's parents said that is not relevant. The information about that bag may have been leaked by someone at the police department.
"Even in death, they are still disrespecting my son," said Tracy Martin, Trayvon's father.
The city manager said if he finds out who did it, he or she could be fired.
WFTV's legal expert said Zimmerman could still face charges, despite the new information.
Bill Sheaffer went on to say that a grand jury does not have accept what Zimmerman has to say, and they will look at all the evidence before they make a decision on filing charges.
The city of Sanford has appointed 23-year veteran Captain Darren Scott as its new acting police chief.
On Monday, City Manager Norton Bonaporte made the announcement.
The city has launched a search for an interim police chief. Police Chief Bill Lee temporarily stepped aside last week.
WFTV found out Zimmerman hasn't been seen at his workplace in the city of Maitland since the shooting, but cameras spotted Maitland officers guarding the office on Monday.
Police said the security watch was taken out of an abundance of caution, in case angry protesters show up at the office complex.
A rally in Sanford for Trayvon supporters did not attract the number of people that organizers expected on Monday.
Last week a crowd of about 8,000 people showed up for support but on Monday night, only about a third of that number showed up.
"Because the number may have been smaller, the purpose is still as large," said supporter Beverly Ellis.
"I think they still got the support, but a lot of people probably had things to do," said supporter Theresa Jackson.
People at the rally said despite the smaller crowd, the support is as strong as ever.
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