Florida prosecutors have brought charges against the man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager more than a month ago.

Special prosecutor Angela Corey made the announcement.

SOUNDBITE: Special prosecutor Angela Cory saying:

"Today we filed an information charge charging George Zimmerman with murder in the 2nd degree. A Capias has been issued for his arrest. With the filing of that information and the issuance of the Capias, he will have a right to appear in front of the magistrate in Seminole County within 24 hours of his arrest and thus formal prosecution will begin."

Zimmerman is now in police custody. Police initially released him---seen here after the incident -- citing the state's "Stand your Ground Law" under his claim that the shooting was in self defense. The move enraged many Americans who held rallies demanding his arrest.

Trayvon Martin's parents watched the announcement on television.

Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin's mother.

SOUNDBITE: Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin's mother saying:

"I want to say thank God. We simply wanted an arest and we got it. And, I say thank you. Thank you Lord, thank you Jesus. Secondly, I just want to speak from my heart to your heart. Because a heart has no color. It's not black, it's not white. It's red. And I want to say thank you from my heart to your heart."

At the press conference, his parents also thanked those who participated in rallies honoring their son.

If he is convicted, George Zimmerman could be sentenced to life in prison.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.