Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

On Wednesday, the Florida judge in charge of the Trayvon Martin shooting case removed herself after George Zimmerman's attorney argued she had a possible conflict of interest relating to her husband.

ORLANDO, FL (Catholic Online) - Judge Kenneth M. Lester Jr. will preside over the case, which includes the Friday bail hearing for the neighborhood watch volunteer.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder for the shooting of unarmed Martin, 17, on Feb. 26. Zimmerman stated that he shot Martin in self-defense after the teen attacked him. Martin's family and supporters claim Zimmerman was the aggressor and stated he targeted Martin because he was black. This has led to a national controversy as Zimmerman's father is white and his mother Hispanic.

Florida Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler said she would make a decision by Friday. Her husband works with Orlando attorney, Mark NeJame, who was first approached by Zimmerman's family to represent the alleged killer.

However NeJame declined and introduced them to Mark O'Mara, who is presently representing Zimmerman.  O'Mara said he requested that Recksiedler step down because he wanted any possible conflict to be addressed as soon as possible. Recksiedler was assigned the case last week.

Judge Lester, 58, was introduced to the bench in 1996. He grew up in central Florida and graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1980. Lester is a Vietnam combat veteran and is married to Orlando prosecutor, Dorothy Segwick.

© 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.