Judge: May have conflict in Zimmerman case

SANFORD, Fla. - April 13, 2012 (WPVI) -- The Florida judge overseeing the second-degree murder case involving neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman says she may have a conflict of interest.

Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler said during a brief hearing in Sanford, Fla., that her husband works with an attorney who referred Zimmerman to his current defense attorney. Zimmerman's family originally had asked that attorney, Mark NeJame, to represent Zimmerman but NeJame instead referred them to lawyer Mark O'Mara.

NeJame is a well-known Orlando defense attorney who is serving as a CNN commentator on the case. He previously has represented Casey Anthony's parents and Tiger Woods when the golfer got into a vehicle accident.

The judge asked O'Mara and prosecutors to file motions with their views on the possible conflict before a bond hearing scheduled for next Friday.

Prosecutors say Zimmerman fatally shot Martin in the chest during a confrontation on Feb. 26.

Zimmerman says he shot Martin in self-defense and has pleaded not guilty.

The lack of an arrest for more than 40 days led to protests nationwide.

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