George Zimmerman makes initial court appearance; prosecutors say he confronted Trayvon Martin first George Zimmerman at his initial hearing Thursday in Sanford, Fla. At right is his attorney, Mark O'Mara. Updated at 3:39 p.m.: George Zimmerman made his first court appearance Thursday in the fatal shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, where a judge found probable cause to proceed with the case based on prosecutors' contention that Zimmerman provoked the confrontation. Zimmerman's attorney said afterward that he would plead not guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Judge Mark Herr found in Florida 18th Circuit Court in Sanford that there was probable cause to proceed with the case and set Zimmerman's arraignment for May 29 before Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler. Trayvon Martin's mom retracts 'accident' characterization Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, could have requested Zimmerman's release on bail, but he told reporters he chose to wait until emotions had settled down, "probably within the next couple of weeks." O'Mara described Zimmerman as "tired, given the intensity" of the attention his case has drawn. "He's glad the process is in place," O'Mara said. ..." Let's let the system work. Assistant State Attorney Bernardo de la Rionda told reporters he couldn't talk about the case until the May 29 arraignment. "We look forward to presenting the evidence at that time," he said. ..." We will make all arguments in the courtroom, and that's where it should be. But in a two-page probable cause affidavit, which The Orlando Sentinel said it had obtained before it was filed with the court, prosecutors said Zimmerman "confronted Martin and a struggle ensued." Zimmerman has claimed he shot in self-defense after Martin knocked him to the ground and began beating him in face. The affidavit says "Martin was on the phone with a friend and described to her what was happening," according to the Sentinel. The witness advised that Martin was scared because he was being followed through the complex by an unknown male and didn't know why. When Martin tried to run home, "Zimmerman got out of his vehicle and followed Martin," it said. It said Zimmerman "confronted Martin and a struggle ensued."