Judge in George Zimmerman Case Steps Aside Because of Husband’s Ties to CNN Analyst

Judge Jessica Recksiedler, (right) the judge in the George Zimmerman case, will recuse herself because of her husband’s ties to a CNN analyst.

Judge Reckseidler is married to a lawyer whose partner, Mark NeJame, (below) has been hired by CNN to provide commentary on the case. Zimmerman also consulted NeJame about his legal defense. Last week Judge Recksiedler offered to recuse herself should one of the lawyers request it, and Zimmerman’s lawyer Mark O’Mara — who has also been a television legal analyst — did so.

Judge Recksiedler’s replacement is Judge Kenneth Lester, Jr. Zimmerman, who faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of Trayvon Martin, will next appear in court on Friday.