Murder suspect George Zimmerman, whose plight prompted thousands of well-wishers to donate a flood of money — more than a collective $250,000 — is nearly broke, his lawyer said Monday, and plans to ask the public to pay for his defense.

"He really has to live as a hermit, unfortunately," said Mark O'Mara. "He's not doing well. He's getting by."

His legal-defense fund, which once hovered around $210,000, now has a balance of $50,000, O'Mara said Monday, with about $20,000 in outstanding bills.

Zimmerman and his wife, Shellie, are out of work, living in hiding in Seminole County, and spending a great deal of money on security because they fear for their lives, O'Mara said.

"Seminole County is unquestionably the most dangerous county, most expensive county for him to be in," O'Mara said.

He intends to ask the court to declare Zimmerman indigent, an official finding that the 28-year-old Sanford man is broke and needs the public to pay his legal expenses.