New Judge to be Appointed in Zimmerman Case
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
By: Matthew Peddie

An Appeal Court ruling directs Judge Lester to step down. Judges in the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach granted the defense petition for a writ of prohibition- disqualifying Judge Kenneth Lester over concerns about a fair trial.

Judge Lester had already dismissed a motion to disqualify himself, after defense claims he made quote, “gratuitous and disparaging” remarks about the Zimmerman’s character.

Zimmerman’s lawyers challenged that ruling in the court of appeal.

Two of the three appeal judges agreed with the defense, saying the allegations taken together meet the threshold test of legal sufficiency- although they said it was a close call.

George Zimmerman is currently out on bail on a second degree murder charge for the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin- he claims he acted in self defense.