On ABC's Good Morning America a man identified as a friend of George Zimmerman, defending his friend after the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin.

Joe Oliver said that Zimmerman is very, very sorry for what transpired the night of Feb. 26, 2012. Oliver described himself as a close friend of the family. He said that Zimmerman was forced to go into hiding and fears for his life. He is just now becoming aware of how big this has gotten, said Oliver on Good Morning America.

He also said that Zimmerman has been emotional since the incident occurred.

After this started -- the reports I got -- [Zimmerman] couldn't stop crying,'' Joe Oliver told Good Morning America.

Craig Sonner, an Zimmerman's attorney appeared on Good Morning America and confirmed the close relationship of Oliver and Zimmerman. Sonner said there was evidence about the incident that has not come out yet that allegedly shows Zimmerman acting in defense when he shot and killed Martin.

This is a guy who thought he was doing the right thing at the time and it's turned out horribly wrong, Oliver said.

The shooting in the affluent gated community in Sanford, Fla. garnered national attention. Protests have sprung up across the country calling for Zimmerman to be prosecuted.

It's just starting to sink in to Zimmerman how big the controversy over the shooting has become, Oliver said on Good Morning America. Up until this point, because he was there and he knows what happened ... he has been very confident -- naively -- that this would all blow over.

Amid pressure, the Justice Department and the FBI have been investigating the situation for possible civil rights violations and a Seminole County grand jury will hear evidence on April 10.

Sanford Police, who investigated the shooting, said they were unable to find any evidence contradictory to Zimmerman's claims that he acted in self-defense.

A Florida law allows residents to use a weapon with deadly force if they feel their lives are in danger.

In describing the situation on Good Morning America, Oliver removed his glasses and began wiping away tears. He also said he considered Zimmerman to be a son and believes he will acquitted if the case is brought to trial.

I think when the other 911 tapes are released, and the other evidence comes out, I think it will show clearly that George Zimmerman was acting in self defense,'' Oliver said. The question is: how far did he pursue? Who made the initial contact? What started the confrontation in the first place? The fact that the investigation so far has come out the way it has -- because of Sanford's history -- I find it hard to believe that the Sanford Police Department wouldn't have George in jail now if they had one ... piece [of evidence] to support that fact. George Zimmerman is not in jail because ... they don't have the evidence to arrest him.

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