Phoenix prosecutor's have spent years trying to secure a death penalty decision against Jodi Arias for the brutal murder of her lover Travis Alexander, and today, Feb. 25, they are close to learning the defendant's fate. Twelve jurors spent the last four months sifting through information during a retrial of the penalty phase for Arias, and today jury deliberations are expected to begin. Either the admitted killer will be sentenced to life in prison or put to death by the state of Arizona.
Arias was convicted of Alexander's killing in 2013, but the first jury was deadlocked in determining a punishment. That trial became a media circus, so the retrial began after just a few days and the courtroom was closed, keeping much of what has transpired under wraps -- although the final verdict will be covered live. We know Alexander was shot, had his throat slit and was then stabbed 27 times by his lover. She has claimed he was abusive and possibly a pedophile, something the prosecution has argued has absolutely no merit.
Arias's defense attorney Kirk Nurmi insisted Tuesday, Feb. 24, that jurors consider granting his client life in prison. He claimed she has been a lifelong victim of abuse and also has a personality disorder that causes her to mold herself into whatever the man whom she is dating wants. Nurmi also pointed out that Arias has had numerous breakups and none have ended badly before the violent altercation with Alexander.
Of course, the prosecution painted Arias in a completely different light, saying she killed Alexander in a blind rage because he wanted to end their relationship. The defense has requested grace for her, but Alexander suffered at Arias's hands before finally succumbing to his injuries.
What do you think this jury will determine? Will it be as deadlocked as the first jury was? Might Arias be sentenced to death or will she be sitting in an Arizona prison for the rest of her life? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
