Parents of George Zimmerman launch website - New York News | NYC Breaking News

The parents of the neighborhood watch volunteer charged in the fatal shooting of Miami teenager Trayvon Martin have launched a website.   Robert and Gladys Zimmerman have created the website RobertAndGladys.com to vindicate their son, George, whom they say "has been portrayed savagely in the media."

"Gladys and I have planned and worked hard our entire married life (36 years) in order that someday we would be able to spend some quality, peaceful time together in our retirement years. Our dreams ended on February 26th," Robert Zimmerman writes.

The site does not dwell on the pending murder charge brought against their son or details from the night of the shooting, but does provide a brief family history including Robert's military service, his meeting and marrying his Peruvian-born wife and the upbringing of their three children.   Robert explains how he has raised his family in a Christian household and has instilled the importance of helping others less fortunate.   

Documents, photos, video and audio clips related to the Zimmerman case

Photo Gallery: Zimmerman First Appearance

Photo Gallery: Zimmerman Second Bond Hearing

Photo Gallery: Night of Shooting Evidence and Zimmerman's Injuries

VIDEO: Clips of Zimmerman's Interview with Sean Hannity

"The Zimmerman children were raised knowing that being helpful, good Christians, and good citizens, was their responsibility. Every supper was eaten as a family and there was always a prayer for the less fortunate. The word 'hate' was never allowed in the Zimmerman household," Robert writes.

George's role as an altar boy in the Catholic Church and his job first job, as a receptionist at the church rectory, is detailed.  

"George has always taken being a good neighbor and good citizen seriously," Robert writes.  "Every time the opportunity would present itself, George would donate blood. George additionally worked with a men's homeless shelter, often obtaining clothing for the shelter. When two tornadoes went over the Orlando area, George purchased a chain saw and assisted anyone that needed help."

Robert addresses an incident in 2010 involving the beating of a homeless man, Sherman Ware.  Ware, who is black, was standing on the sidewalk when he was struck by Justin Collison, who is white and the son of a Sanford police lieutenant.  The blow, which was captured on video, knocked Ware out and sent him to the hospital.

"George was upset that the son was not arrested and that no one seemed to care about the homeless man. George produced and distributed a notice of what had happened and rallied support for the homeless gentleman. George put this notice on vehicles and passed it out at churches as services ended. Eventually, largely due to George's efforts, the police officer's son was charged with the assault," the family has said.

The family also emphatically denies claims that George is a racist.  Robert writes, "Prior to George's arrest, the media asked two African American neighbors of George if he was a racist. One said that she knew George very well, nothing about George portrayed in the media was accurate, and that to this day she would trust George Zimmerman with her life. The other commented that George Zimmerman was the only individual, black or white, that had introduced himself when she was moving in."  He continues, "Although the media and numerous self-serving individuals have continually portrayed George as a racist, vigilante, and even a murderer, absolutely none of those names come anywhere close to representing the real George Zimmerman. George has always been, and continues to be, a truly caring, loving, and selfless individual."

Robert Zimmerman closes by writing that, "the media was quick to fan the flames of hatred towards George and the entire Zimmerman family."  He goes on to blame attorneys, media advisors and others with "great financial interests" for the hatred surrounding the case, while also taking a jab at the Obama Administration.

"With the apparent blessing of the Justice Department, the New Black Panther Party was allowed to solicit the murder of our son. George was wanted, with a bounty of $10,000, 'dead or alive.'"

In addition to the letter from Robert Zimmerman, the site also allows visitors to leave a message for the Zimmerman Family and make financial donations.

George Zimmerman faces second-degree murder charges for killing Trayvon Martin.  He has claimed he acted in self-defense.