(CNN) -- Self-defense or murder? That's the question at the heart of the trial of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Monday marked the start of jury selection in Seminole County, Florida, where Martin was fatally shot on February 26, 2012. The shooting put a national spotlight on Zimmerman's hometown of Sanford and sparked fresh debates about race relations and gun laws in America. Zimmerman is Hispanic; Martin was African-American. An initial decision not to pursue charges against Zimmerman led to the dismissal of the town's police chief and the appointment of a special prosecutor, who accused the neighborhood watch volunteer of unjustly profiling and killing Martin.
@highlight
NEW: Jury selection in the trial of George Zimmerman started Monday
@highlight
He faces a murder charge in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin
@highlight
Defense attorneys say Zimmerman acted in self-defense
@highlight
The case has sparked protests and ignited a national debate about race and gun laws
He also said the @placeholder defense fund has raised $85,000 in the past week and a half.