Florida judge removes herself from George Zimmerman murder case

A Florida judge removed herself from presiding over the trial of George Zimmerman Wednesday, after disclosing a potential conflict of interest last week.

Judge Jessica Recksiedler's move was expected after she said last week that her husband's law partner had previously been contacted by Zimmerman seeking representation. Zimmerman's current lawyer, Mark O'Mara, filed motions to have her removed on Monday.

Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. will take over the racially-charged second-degree murder trial of Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Police originally did not arrest Zimmerman because he said he acted in self defense. He was charged more than six weeks later after protests were held across the country. Sanford’s police chief stepped aside due to the scrutiny.

A bond hearing is set for Zimmerman Friday morning.