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