Defence lawyer had requested circuit judge Jessica Recksiedler step aside because her husband works with CNN legal analyst

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

The judge presiding over the case of an unarmed Florida teenager's shooting death has removed herself after the defendant's attorney said she had a possible conflict of interest.

Florida circuit judge Jessica Recksiedler recused herself on Wednesday because of a potential conflict that relates to her husband.

He works with Orlando attorney Mark NeJame, who was first approached by defendant George Zimmerman's family to represent the neighbourhood watch volunteer.

But NeJame declined and referred them to Mark O'Mara, who is now representing Zimmerman. NeJame has since been hired by CNN to comment on the case.

Judge Kenneth M Lester Jr will preside over the case.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for the shooting of the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman said he shot Martin in self-defence after the teen attacked him.