Zimmerman's lawyers: Defense fund is nearly gone

Mike Schneider | Associated Press

ORLANDO (AP) — George Zimmerman's defense fund is almost depleted with less than two weeks until the former neighborhood watch leader goes on trial in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman's attorneys posted on their website Wednesday that the fund had less than $5,000 left. The fund had almost $315,000 in January.

The attorneys say they calculate that Zimmerman needs an additional $120,000 to put on a good defense or even $75,000 to give him a fighting chance.

Attorneys Mark O'Mara and Don West say they haven't been paid a cent and many interns are working on the case without pay.

They say they will need the money in the coming weeks to pay experts and for transcripts of depositions.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder. He is pleading not guilty.