Washington - Bidding for a painting by George Zimmerman, whose 2012 killing of black teenager Trayvon Martin sparked national outrage, neared $100 000 on Tuesday in an online auction that ends on Sunday.
The signed patriotic blue-hued portrayal of the Stars and Stripes flag is overlayed with the words “God, One Country, with Liberty and Justice for All” in typewriter font.
“First hand painted artwork by me, George Zimmerman,” he wrote on eBay, where the highest bid stood at $99 966 - way above Monday's starting price of 99 cents plus $40 for “expedited shipping”.
“Everyone has been asking what I have been doing with myself. I found a creative way to express myself, my emotions and the symbols that represent my experiences,” he said.
“My art work allows me to reflect, providing a therapeutic outlet and allows me to remain indoors,” he added with a smiley icon at the end of the sentence.
Zimmerman, 30, a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer in Sanford, Florida, fatally shot Martin on February 26, 2012, as the 17-year-old unarmed high school student was walking home with iced tea and candy.
He insisted he had been following Martin on suspicion that the youth was involved in robbery, and that he shot him in an act of self-defence.
Police soon released him, prompting a national outcry that led to a jury trial for second-degree murder and manslaughter in June this year which ended with his acquittal.
More recently, he faced arraignment next month for allegedly pointing a gun at his girlfriend, before she dropped the charges.
Said by his lawyers to be deep in debt, Zimmerman noted on his eBay listing that he created his debut canvas using house paint donated by a friend.
Sapa-AFP