Zimmerman out on bail, whereabouts unknown

SANFORD, Fla. -- George Zimmerman, who got out of jail on $150,000 bail early yesterday morning, went back into hiding and is likely to have fled to another state to avoid threats as he awaits his second-degree murder trial in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

His release came hours before the Sanford City Commission rejected by a 3-2 vote the resignation of Police Chief Bill Lee, who was roundly criticized for not initially arresting and charging Zimmerman.

Authorities can pinpoint Zimmerman's location with a GPS ankle bracelet, which he must wear round the clock, but the public may not see him again for some time.

He has waived his appearance at his arraignment next month, so he can stay underground if he wants.

Zimmerman already has experience lying low: For more than a month before his arrest, he eluded the media and his whereabouts were not known. His attorney has suggested he had several options for where Zimmerman can stay now, and a judge indicated he was willing to let him leave the state.

Until the next time he must come before a judge, Zimmerman will have to skip such routine pleasures as eating in a restaurant or taking a long stroll outside, said Jose Baez, a former attorney for Casey Anthony.

Anthony, acquitted last summer of killing her 2-year-old daughter, went into hiding after her release from jail.

"He may be free, but he's not free," Baez said.

The police chief is on paid leave. Lee had stepped aside temporarily in March to let emotions cool. Not too long ago, the commissioners gave him a "no confidence vote" that City Manager Norton Bonaparte said still stands.

The shooting also led to the local prosecutor recusing himself from the case, and the governor appointing Angela Corey, who eventually charged Zimmerman.

Monday, the majority of commissioners blamed the polarization over the Martin case and its handling by the police department on outside groups. They said they wanted to wait for an outside investigation into the police department's handling of the case to conclude before accepting the resignation agreement drawn up by the city manager and Lee.