New Judge Will Oversee 2nd-Degree Murder Case Against Zimmerman Over Trayvon Martin Slaying
A Florida judge overseeing a controversial second-degree murder case involving the death of an unarmed teenager, Trayvon Martin, has recused herself and a new jurist has been appointed.
Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr., 58, who was first elected in 1996, will replace Judge Jessica Recksiedler. She had disclosed a potential conflict of interest, due to the fact that a law partner of her husband had been approached by the defendant, George Zimmerman, while seeking legal representation, Reuters reports.
A CNN article profiles Lester, who is described by attorney Diana Tennis of Orlando as a very fair judge who listens to both sides.
“He’s a great judge,” Tennis told HLN, an affiliate of CNN. “He’s been on the bench a really long time. He’s very no-nonsense. He’s a real fast talker, very efficient, gets the cases in and out.”
Additional coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Second-Degree Murder Charge in Trayvon Martin Killing Poses Hurdles for Prosecutors”
ABAJournal.com: “Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law Is ‘Neither Extreme Nor an Outlier,’ Opinion Column Says”
