We’ve all heard Zimmerman claim self-defense however, he’s facing a second-degree murder charge, which carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. But if Zimmerman is charged and found guilty of a federal hate crime involving murder, he could face the death penalty, according to WFTV.

FBI investigators are actively questioning witnesses in the retreat at the Twin Lakes neighborhood, seeking evidence for a possible federal hate crime charge.

The FBI will have to prove Zimmerman targeted Trayvon simply because he was African American. “Mr. Zimmerman could be punished by up to life in prison or even the death penalty,” said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.