The trial of Gorge Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin moved into its final stage, as the jury retired to begin deliberations.

They will decide Zimmerman's fate, in a verdict that will be watched closely across the nation.

Last year, Zimmerman shot and killed the 17-year-old Martin in a Sanford, Fla. gated community. Martin was unarmed, walking back to his aunt's house after a trip to a convenience store. Zimmerman, a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, says he started following Martin because he looked suspicious.

Zimmerman claims Martic attacked him first and he shot the teen in self defense. Prosecutors claim Zimmerman racially profiled and stalked Martin, then killed him. Zimmerman faces charges of second-degree murder, though the jury could convist him of the lesser charge of manslaughter. They could also declare him innocent of all charges.

In order to rule Zimmerman guilty of murder, the jury will need agree that he had a "depraved mind" and "ill intent" when he killed Martin, a charge the prosecution made every effort to support.

Still, Florida's laws are very protective of anyone claiming self defense, so the jury could decide Zimmerman was operating under the assumption that his life was in danger.

Local authorities and police around the country are preparing for possible fallout from the verdict, whatever it may be. Zimmerman is Hispanic, while Martin was African American, raising the specter of racial profiling and discrimination. If Zimmerman is found innocent, there could be riots across the country, much as there were after four white police officers were found not guilty of beating Rodney King in the 1990s, even though the attack was caught on tape.

There's no telling how long the jury will deliberate. Until they announce their verdict, the nation waits.