Jodi Arias Trial: In Her Own Words.. How I Killed Travis Alexander With HIS Gun and HIS Knife
Photo Courtesy AP Pool
Phoenix, Arizona- In today’s highly anticipated morning testimony, Jodi Arias finally “gets there”.
After weeks of what can only be described as the dog ate my defense testimony led by Kirk Nurmi, Jodi Arias explains the events leading up to and during the murder of Travis Alexander.
Arias describes an irate and menacing Travis who bounds from the shower, causing her to drop his new camera and pouncing on her, knocking her to the wet tile floor.
“ A five year old can hold a camera better than you.” Arias stated Alexander screamed at her among other threatening expletives while she struggled to break free.
She then ran to the master bedroom closet and apparently using the Spiderman techniques she absorbed via osmosis from the alleged Valentines gift, retrieved a gun she claimed Travis owned over two feet out of her reach while he was sprinting behind her.
She pointed the gun at him, did not realize it went off and then Travis, still coming at her, stumbles to his knees on the now bloody tile beneath him. ( Editors Note: As I have always said, I believe the order of this injury is true and is important to the charges against her)
Enter gratuitous memory gap.
“I have no memory of stabbing him.” – Jodi Arias
Although Arias admits to having flash backs, she states she cannot remember any other details with the exception of her crouched in the bathroom covered in blood and drops a knife she believes was upstairs used by Travis to cut ropes he used to tie her up to the bed.
She did however, have the presence of mind to grab the ropes, the gun, apparently removes and loses her shoes and has no idea what happened to the knife she used to stab Alexander 29 times and slit his neck from ear to ear.
Next memory she is driving in the desert with the gun she alleges was Travis’s when she pitches it out the window at a random location, then puts the ropes in a dumpster behind a gas station and washes blood off her hands.
Pause for Arias innocuous driving babble and road scenery.
“Why didn’t you call 911 and tell them what happened?” Kirk Nurmi asks his sniffling but tearless client.
” …He attacked you, why did you feel You messed up pretty badly?”
“This time it was different, he had done it before and nothing happened, it was heightened.” Responded Arias.
While approaching a check point in Utah, she feels like she will be apprehended there.
Arias decided to do a “whole bunch of things” to cover up she was ever there.
So .. “I called his phone to leave a voice mail”. For nearly 16 minutes she says she tried numerous times to leave a cheery voice mail to ask as if she was not present in Alexander’s home.
“I just thought they would be listening to his voice mail, so I just thought it would throw the scent off for a while.”
– Jodi Arias
Yes, she actually said that on the stand. Defense Attorney Kirk Nurmi was observed writing a note to co-counsel Jennifer Wilmott to send an assistant out to Sam’s for an industrial size supply of Tums.
I made that part up. Testimony continues following jury lunch break.
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RE
Ode says:
March 24, 2013 at 8:28 am
Me: None of these wounds were deep, none of them entered the chest, and none were fatal. Yet, they area of 5″ x 6″ is a very small area of concentration- what could this mean about how they were inflicted?
B
****
He was on top of her and she was on her back and she was stabbing him with free arm. Sort of like a lover’s pose but in this case a fight for life.
Yes, this is what I believe, and it you follow incised and wound depth you can literally see how she moves out from under him. She cuts herself here, imo. Those neck to back wounds are definitely the product of limited range.
B
—
Again Blink your thoughts could be correct as the defense did raise this claim also
BUT
IMO
i disagree that ” if you follow incised and wound depth you can literally see how she moves out from under him. She cuts herself here, imo. Those neck to back wounds are definitely the product of limited range.”
If she was under him reaching over or in front of him reaching around they would be incised wounds not stab wounds- and the ME states they are deeper than they are long
in fact these stab wounds were stopped from going deeper by the rib bones and by the bone of the spine….as stated by the ME and are not necessarily the product of “limited range.”
also per the MEs testimony- one can not rule out the possibility that these stabs at least some did not go into the chest…He stated it was a possibility but with decomp can no longer tell.
why is there an absence of stab or incised wounds on his sides or all up and down his arms from where the knife would have surely “reached” during the assailants attempt to stab in the back/// the effort to “reach around”?. the victim has one stab wound to his forearm which is less consistent with this sort of scenario but is more consistent with him blocking blows by the knife from a frontal attack or in trying to cover his head or neck- from knife attack while on his knees or to prevent a frontal assault.. k.
IMO we can not disregard Travis words IRT his childhood when he stated while being attacked by his mother he would turn and ofer her his back as a means of self defense
Again Blink you could be right but IMO there are other more likely scenarios-
AJMO
Respectfully disagree mom 3.0- she did not reach around him- I am suggesting she was underneath him stabbing over top him as she was trying to get out from under him. Further, I believe the superficial lacerations/incised wounds may be “on the return” as she is drawing the knife blade back. I also see some possible cast off on the carpet in support.
B
MEs testimony (pp ) as close as possible to actual quotes
regarding the back/ neck:
192 199 40:12
Photos of the back area /neck shoulder/back of head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h0fje33320
192
grouping of injuries
More likely than not-they occured close in time same orientation:193 same direction from right shoulder to the center escept lower edge…
going inother direction
back turned yes
how many triangular fashion pattern?
9 injuries in the center in a clustering what you are seeing on the left side is actually postmortem artifact skin slippage and drying
44:17
Are these stab wounds are they incised wounds?
They are stab wounds
Which means they are deeper than they are longer
They are all about the same depth about an inch deep and they are going into the back part of the ribs and the spine, the spinal bone and stopping there
Per my examine none of them entered the chest cavity ALTHOUGH- with the decomp you cant completely rule that out
appear to be Stopped by the bones…
too many variables to talk about the amount of force-
depends on thickness of bones. type of weapon strength of assailant
47:54 193 the grouping
we see head and neck
195
shaved head hair away
deep incised wounds longer than they are deep but they are very deep all the way to the skull and theres 2 o them onthe back of the scalp
alot of force?
a very sharp blade it wouldnt take much force to cut thru the tissue to cut thru bone it would take much more force and we do have divets in the skull
How long -2 inches
force?
198
edges of the head incised wounds enough force was supplied to cause divet/s into the skull bone the scalp as been pulled away to show.. seeing a divet in center of the skull and on the left side there is hemorrhage around those.. th bone was actually sortof chipped away by the end of the implement there
199
we are looking at where an end of an implement a knife.. because of this very triangular bone which has been chipped away by the end of the implement
195
divet 100 shown in this pic?
its at the extreme left end at the longer wound at the bottom and then one towards the middle top end..198
all knife wounds are all predeath have signs of bleeding associated w/em
200201
right side neck behind the ear
52:01
of all the wounds we have looked at so far the head theback this neck (not slice others)how many are fatal?
Taken all together all the wounds of the back and the head could have been fatal over time
the most significant
is the neck slashing the stab wound that penetrates the heart
and the gunshot wound
200
stab wound back of skull bone under there behind the ear goes thru muscle thru bony area into the strap muscle
how big? 1 and 1 quarter inch
202
back left side of neck another stab wound
also penetrates muscle into the neck one inch big
203-206
Hope this helps
Peace
Thanks for posting that for all Mom 3.0- I read that and feel it confirms my thoughts entirely but I would add this- you will notice the 2 deepest back stab wounds are one inch, thwarted by bone. That is a sign that the range or strength of the assailant is limited by their position- especially when you add the 2 stab wounds to the chest that occur next. One severed the sternum, and that was removed to match to a possible weapon.
B
After completing my second trip to NJ/PA in 2 weeks, I decided to indulge myself in catching up on this crime. For those whose stomachs are not overly weak, I found a book online “Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory & Practice”, complete with very explicit photos of stabbing and gunshot victims and it is all very informative and relevant to this crime. It seems inserting the link is not working, but Google it and you can read the extensive preview. Authors are Stuart H. James, Paul E. Kish, T. Paulette Sutton.
I’m finding the current line of BOC thoughts very interesting! You all are so good at this! I’m going to try to lay low and avoid having to travel again until we can get Jodi convicted. I would be furious if I missed the verdict. Besides, “there’s no place like home” ~Dorothy Gale
Photos were taken unbeknownst to Travis through shower door. In the shower photo of him half turned looking startled, I think I can see Arias on the other side of the door, left side picture. He then turned his back to the shower door. Did she order him to face the wall, threatening him with gun in hand? The next photo is different lighting, the haunting photo.
The haunting photo has me stumped. It looks as if it is the top half of the next photo where as he is seated in the shower. I cannot figure how or why he got into this seated position in the shower, unless she threatened him or had just stabbed him in the chest. But then how did he stand up and move past her and to the sink and why he would run to the sink and bend over (trajectory) unless she had just stabbed him in the chest. Had she used the threat of the gun as control over him at this point? She shot him at the sink. He turned and chased her down the hall, in a weakened state. They fell and he pinned her below him. She stabbed him in the back and head numerous times in a crazed frenzy from below him, stabbed her way out and rolled. He may have run out of steam by this time, she slit his throat and dragged him to the shower.
I am incensed with this monster. She made him die a torturous and painful death. It’s unfathomable.
Dearest Blinkity,
MY APOLLIES. I wasn’t looking for an apology from you, nor an explanation. I tend to post with particular meaning. It’s not until I go back when I realize my posts can come across as judgemental.
I’d like to clarify, for myself, that you NEVER owe me an apology for who you are, what you do or what you stand for. I would never consider spending time @ on a site that had no values, compassion, meaning, convictions…. I’ve learned so much from you and all the posters on here. My advocacy comes first. Supporting BOC’s cause is second. My posts are an attempt to help, but mostly, I’m being educated on so many levels. I never meant to undermine or suggest your intentions, friendLY. That goes for my dear BOC friendies, too.
Ode’s post makes so much sense! If anything, I come to realize the special insight…thinking out of the box without overthinking….takes razor blade precision. Being analytical while applying logic…..not my forte (hence, my recent subscription to luminosity.com). I sure do appreciate those who can do it and remain focused. WOW.
…and that’s the crux of my post, friendLY. I’m humbled you responded to my post, with grace and humanity. You didn’t have to acknowlede it, nor waste your time doing so. You have no idea how much that means to me, in today’s world. That’s a story for another blog
Cherish and be cherished xo xo xo
For those, like me, who would like to hone their critical thinking skills (very useful for BOC advocating).
http://www.studygs.net/crtthk.htm
It looked like a good place to start. We’re worth the investment
Remembering Travis~~~
This is O/T, but I’ve been hearing on TV and all over the internet that there WAS no rope. That there is NO evidence of a rope. No fibers, nothing. That it’s another story Jodi made up to explain the presence of the knife.
I was beginning to think the same thing but I remembered talk of a rope from back in January, so I looked it up. In the police report, Detective Flores asked the roommates if they knew anything about a thin, decorative type of rope. He also asked Jodi about it on the telephone on June 10. It was decorative roping used for sewing onto decorative pillows and things. This matches JA’s description of the rope. She said Travis bought a 20 ft. piece of it from a fabric or craft store(?)
The reason Flores was asking is because he found small, frazzled pieces of the rope in the hallway and on the staircase. He asked the forensics people to be sure to take pictures, and those pictures were submitted into evidence, exhibit #s 265 to 271. I think there may be more pictures than this. If you watch the trial day 2 (I think) when Detective Flores is being questioned by Nurmi, that is when Nurmi shows the pictures.
WARNING:
This is a bit of a digression, so scroll and roll if you are beyond looking for motivation and have moved onto figuring out the details of the killing itself (!)
For those of you who believe Arias motivation for homicide, the ” snapping point” for her was because Travis refused to take her to Can Cun, check out this video posted MAY 16th, 2008- a little less than three weeks before Travis was murdered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UyfUTacziI
Friends have claimed that one week before his death, Travis had a big blow out with Jodi because she hacked his Facebook and phone.
It wasn’t Travis’s aggression towards Arias that was building, it was Arias anger towards Travis.
Having said all of this- I have to agree with Blink that the forensics should be used to tell the story. Everything else she has said should be disregarded. Not just because it doesn’t make any sense, but for the fact that she is a proven liar. The truth is stranger than fiction, and her fiction is a construction based on the evidence that she is aware the State has. Her story is a concoction that presents itself logically- and this was an insane killing.
whodunnit says:
March 24, 2013 at 9:33 pm
quote
Friends have claimed that one week before his death, Travis had a big blow out with Jodi because she hacked his Facebook and phone.
It wasn’t Travis’s aggression towards Arias that was building, it was Arias anger towards Travis.
unquote
Well, good buddy, I gotta say…that’s been my thinking, too. I always thought that she was the ‘abuser’, in this relationship. I believe he saw a side very few saw. Anything I add to this only speculation….did pride prevent Travis from opening up, to ANYONE, about feeling abused by Jodi (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually)? There were signs of Travis trying to ‘put it out there, without actually saying…’I believe I’m being abused by a woman’. He has the good sense to recognize she was NOT in her right mind. Travis called her a sociopath, referred to his being with Jodi as a ‘Fatal Attraction’….. There were clues. This couldn’t have been the only time Jodi showed an ‘abusive’ side (imho).
-snipped
I say it`s inter-partner terrorism that he was the battered man. She was using sex for power and control. And when he decided to leave, when he cut her off, that`s when she snapped. -Dr. Drew Pinski
http://crimeandcourtsnews.blogspot.ca/2013/03/dr-drew-transcript-march-19-2013-jodi.html#.UU_AjByG2So
I’m 10000% convinced she has it in her. She wasn’t just looking for successful men to leech on. She was looking for men whom SHE believed had had a few weak links in their emotional chain. (I DO NOT imply that men who cry or wear their heart on their sleeve as being WEAK!). Travis was broken and terribly vulnerable, growing up. Although Jodi met him when he was growing spiritually, becoming his own man AND becoming a man of God, she detected remnants of vulnerability. The only way to find out is to do what she does best…..rely on her sexuality. Using sex to get what you want, is abuse. Ask Creature Anthony. It bought her way around town before she murdered Caylee.
Again, bla bla humble blah opinion…yada yada
I’m leaning on the side that she shot him first. Even though she is crazy she is not completely stupid.
If she went after him with a knife there is a HUGE possibility that he would gain control of the knife and not kill him. She knows he was a wrestler in high school and therefore can easily get people into holds and overtake someone.
I believe she tells many ‘half-truths’ in her stories to LE and the media. When she says that Travis said to her “Kill you bitch”, I believe Travis really said “you killed me bitch” as he realized he was dying. I also believe that he said that he ‘can’t feel his feet’ after he got shot. I really think she didn’t know if she shot him because she didn’t see any blood at first and he was still moving. I believe the gun must have jammed or the ammo was bad. My fiancee is a Police Officer and told me if ammo is bad/old the gun will not go off. It was her grandpa’s gun and could have had ancient ammo in it. Then the stabbing began.
The knife is what puzzles me. Did she bring it from home or take it from his knife block? In the evidence photos there seems to be one larger knife missing from the block. I think the jury really needs to see the aprox. type and size of knife that was used in the stabbing. Juan really needs to whip up some visuals in his closing. He seems to be very stubborn and stuck in his way of doing things…which may not include visuals. But the new breed of “CSI” jurors need that these days. If I were a juror, seeing a similar knife in person along with the horrific autopsy photos would invoke very intense and upsetting emotions.
Blink-any truth to what HLN ‘uncovered’? That Travis changed the name on the reservation from Jodi’s to MH? With so much time between her arrest and the trial, I would think that the state would have uncovered that.
While most of the U.S. was following the CA case, a few were following the Amanda Knox case, and today the Amanda K. case is in court again. While many people seem to have flashbacks to the CA case while watching the Jodi Arias trial, some people, myself included, recall the Amanda K. case from time to time while watching JA. The media coverage of both cases is almost identical! Amanda was only 19 years old when she was put in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. The media crucified her character and spirit long before the trial even started and continued on for YEARS. Now that she’s been acquitted, I read that she returned to Seattle but she lives in the Chinese section of the city. It’s the only place she can go about her life with some bit of privacy. How can she ever heal from the wounds the Nancy Grace’s of the world inflicted? IMO there is something VERY WRONG with the way channels like HLN cover these high profile cases, especially when it involves a pretty young woman.
This week, the Italian court will decide if Amanda’s acquittal should be upheld or thrown out. If they uphold it, this nightmare will finally be over for Amanda Knox. Please say a prayer of support for Amanda and her family! She is INNOCENT! Blink covered this case and she agrees that Amanda is INNOCENT!
My dear Joan- can I ask you to post Amanda updates in that thread please?
B
Good morning Blink & Blinkers
Thank you whodunnit for posting this video from Travis Alexander. What a funny and nice man he was. It is just so sad to see how his life was taken away. I find it so sad that JA to save her own a… is painting him so bad. I think he had a good heart and was absolutely not an abuser. She was. She took all away from him. And all this sex stuff is intimate . He was young, he was discovering with her, sexuality. Is this a crime? No it is not. So many people are doing the same and do not stand on trial for this like Travis has to do right now. I don’t know if friends coworkers or neigbors have anal sex or not. And that does not interest me. If they like it, fine. I am a little conservative with this kind of issues but i would never judge someone if someone like that. He was single and didn’t sleep around like many young men does at this age. He just wanted to get out of this relationship and she killed him for that. Go Mr. MARTINEZ GO and show the jurors what a narcistic liar JA was.
To finish previous post : what a narcistic liar JA was and is.
Sorry. I meant to include the link to an AP article about the Amanda K. case in court this week.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/amanda-knox-anxiously-awaits-verdict-from-italys-high-court-on-acquittal-of-roommate-murder/2013/03/25/3541
And what if Travis prefered a.sex or o.sex with JA because he didn ‘t really trust her with her contraception? Condoms are not always safe and he was afraid she could get pregnant. It may be a possibility but we will never know because she will never tell the truth…
Just wondering why I haven’t been able to find a single photograph of the bullet wound in Travis’s forehead. Has anyone else seen one?
Also the “rope” fibers in the crime scene don’t seem to be tied into anything by the prosecution. Might they touch on that evidence later?
I also wonder about the shoe print and how it got there. Could that have been made by the friend who discovered the body on June 9? That hasn’t been mentioned either (unless I missed the testimony about it).
@Mom3.0 says:
March 24, 2013 at 6:29 pm
“MEs testimony (pp ) as close as possible to actual quotes
regarding the back/ neck:
192 199 40:12
Photos of the back area /neck shoulder/back of head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h0fje33320”
—————————————————————-
Very informative..thank you for locating and posting. I didn’t get ill until Jeniffer Willmott leaned over and consoled a sobbing Jodi as graphic testimony was being presented. Self defense my “A”ss! Jodi’s earned her way to death row and although it goes against my human nature this monster does not belong on the face of this earth.
I was at the grocery store over the weekend and this women was walking towards me and I’d swear that she could have be JA’s twin. This case is really getting to me. LOL.
Arias is morphing into JW. It gives you a glimpse into her deep psychological issues. She has transposed herself to the same colors of attire, dark hair with bangs and glasses. Arias has even begun to mimmick JW facial mannerisms and body movements.
It’s frightening.
White jacket, black cami. Really? Ladies, you are conspicuously attempting to affect the subconscious minds of the jury. If I were a juror, I would find it laughable and might pose that as one of my questions. Ms. Arias, why do you dress to match your attorney?
Sorry, B. I just find this at the offensive level.
Honestly, it is pretty standard these days as a show of solidarity and to keep the defendant looking less like one to the jury.
Personally, I am all for taking appearance issues out of the queue for consideration. She hides behind her hair anyway.
B
That set of individuals would not be an invited guest to my home again without a proper and sincere apology followed by consistent behavior supporting same.
This is not going to change and you need to be in boundary mode- sorry to say.
B
Blink you wrote:
respectfully snipped:
Whoever aspirated was facing the sink. There are 2 kinds of bleeding patterns there, and one is drops from a gravitational source above it generating enough bleed to cause it. None of Travis’s wounds from his back punctured his chest
–
I agree that the “blood source” was facing the sink and I agree that this spray could be from the gunshot wound-
I agree that there are at *least* two different patterns of blood- one gravitational
I do not think we can determine if any of Travis’ back wounds went thru to the chest- The ME says it is possible although unlikely, but can not tell due to decomposition
The spray could be aspirated blood- I agree
But if so this blood could be from a lung getting nicked
Or from one of the neck wounds
And the blood source then coughing up blood
The assailant need not be in front/or between the bloodsource and the mirror If the assailant first stabbed the victim in the shower or nearest the shower he/she could have walked over to the sink and the wound could have spurted As the ME testified
You
Mom 3.0- , the hemothorax was caused by a stab wound to the chest so unless your considering someone small enough to sit on the sink stabbed him while he stood there motionless that does not work.
The assailant need not be tiny and in front/or between the bloodsource and the mirror
—
If the assailant first stabbed the victim in the shower or nearest the shower etc he/she could have walked over to the sink
Although the hemothorax an accumulation of blood and fluid in the pleural cavity, between the parietal and visceral pleura, which can cause collapse of the lung and dyspnea, absence of breath sounds and pallor of mucosae which is usually the result of trauma. of mucosae. may have been caused by the stab wounds to the chest-
Blood in the lungs is not always caused by stabs to the chest-
The spray could be aspirated blood- I agree
But if so this blood could be from one of the neck wounds
Or from a knock to the nose and the victim swallowing blood then coughing it back up or sneezing onto the sink area-
According to Lisa Perry’s testimony IRT the sink area:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS6iQ2QZKHo
139:54
(pp notes)
spray-
on mirror
it can be caused by a projected force or pressure applied
to a wound
it could be caused by the blood source
acted upon by force
a wound such as on the head
head nicked head laceration can cause this as well as a
gunshot wound or
coughing sneezing up blood
You:
The casing, while I admit is transfer evidence, is a few feet from this scene as well.
I am not following you in regards to “going by my thoughts” nobody had their throat slashed. I am on record that the arterial spurts match the neck wound in both anticipated trajectory and matched to the wound pattern itself.
__
What I meant by that Blink is there was not enough blood evidence at the scene to determine without the victim( you said try to analyze the scene absent the victim first) that someones throat was slashed
The scene was cleaned the amount of blood on the floor and the walls does not indicate enough blood volume to determine someones throat was slashed ear to ear thru the jugular and c. artery -back to the spine, not enough blood evidence left behind to determine the victim had led out from 27 separate stab wounds to include across the abdome- – in the chest several times to include a stab wound that punctures the sac of the heart to include several stab wounds to the top of the head- applied with such force that the skull was chipped and diveted- to include defensive wounds to the hands which include a deep wound of the thumb- that severed tendons and muscle- to include lopping off part of the victims thumb nail-
You:
Travis does not have a wound outside of the neck slice that corresponds to it. If you are saying I cant say with certainty because water was thrown on top of a blood spatter pattern I can still see based on the chemical reaction to it.
–
Blink all we can see is a swiping and smears to include possible spurting in one area- again we can not say with certainty which wound caused this blood pattern or if the water or cast off or other cause it or changed it…
You:
As far as Dr.Horn is concerned, keep in mind he is the state witness. This is a case where the state literally took witness out of order because they needed to lay the foundation to allow Flores to rest comfortably under the bus.
I say this because he answers questions he asked that are developed in the framework of the state’s desired response to it’s case. The defense has no real desire to focus on the forensics because if they did, it will cause the jury to, and those details weigh heavily toward guilt, imo. ALSO.. how secure could the defense case be with a witness who claims no memory?
__
I agree in addition to this ME the prosecution should have had a more experienced expert also in addition to LP- they should have included another blood expert
You:
If I am a juror I would pick up on that. Bad Idea.
Iagree Blink
One word, and I promise I am not being glib, but I will never forget it..
“braindust”
kwim?
—
I do and I also remember a wolf being part of anothers expert testimony—
We still dont know who will be called by the defense or how JM will handle rebuttal-
This may become another such nightmare as the CA trial and the battle of the forensics-
Still I feel a juror will ultimately determine heir decision on whther they believed abuse/and had sympathy or not-
Blink I thank you very much for sharing your expertise with me- Ive learned alot-
and I want you to know I am not going against your analysis- it may be that I agree wholeheartedly
I simply took your challenge to follow thru his exercise to review everything then tried to give different perspective – sorry for length, and any sp.errors/typos
I look forward to your complete analysis pics included-
Submitted With the utmost respect and admiration
AJMO Peace
Mom3
correction
quote should have read:
Mom 3.0- , the hemothorax was caused by a stab wound to the chest so unless your considering someone small enough to sit on the sink stabbed him while he stood there motionless that does not work.
Should not have included my thoughts of:
The assailant need not be tiny and in front/or between the bloodsource and the mirror
Todays morning proceedings-
Jodi was very mean to her Mama-
kicking and slapping her “for no reason”
I feel sorry for her Mom and her whole family what has JA put them through?
–
It is becoming more and more clear to me that JA is not someone who acted in “self defense” but who often used violence when it suited her…to get her way – as a means of control as an act of cruelty of abuse for her own amusement etc
AJMO
What do we have as evidence that may point to where the attack may have actually begun?
What information is available that would indicate the areas where some cleanup took place?
Were there any blood spatters on the wall near the sink? If so, were they to the left of the sink as one would be facing it? Is there any evidence that water or other chemicals were used to clean this area.
If the bullet track pierced the sinus cavities there would be blood in the throat and blocking or partially blocking the windpipe. This would explain some of the aspirated blood at the sink.
Travis may have been a wrestler, but he had little knowledge of how to fight to save his life. The robe hanging on the hook next to the shower could have been used as a weapon. If so, there would be blood on it. Is there any known evidence that points to it ever being taken off the hook? There is the possibility that Travis did use the robe and that one was used for cleanup with Jodi taking it to the disposal site and substituting another on the hook.
Did Travis fear the gun? We don’t know. People who do not really know about guns would probably freeze at the sight of a gun pointed at them. This would give the assailant an advantage.
Is there any evidence that Travis actually tackled Jodi? Were there any blood smears on the floor or wall to indicate such a possibility? Were these areas checked by the CSI for cleanup and traces of blood?
Were the multiple stab wounds in the back the result of Travis holding Jodie off with his right hand and she applied the knife with her left hand causing the concentrated area of wounds or was he actually on top of her? Is there any evidence to support either of those possibilities? If so, what would be the evidence of the stronger position?
This is my approach to finding some of the answers.
We have a lot of story telling by Jodi and little can be relied on for truth. However, based on factual information found at the scene, could any of her story contain bits of truth regarding the actual events?
I would like to add, that not only would it take tremendous strength/leverage, but also a super sharp knife to damn near cut someone’s head off.
As an avid hunter, who has cleaned and skinned many an animal, I cringe evertime I read about his neck wound, mostly because I am aware of just how damn difficult that is to do to something that is not fighting back…!?
Note: I think Slowroller is adding to my earlier comment.
Agreed, I am not going to pen the very graphic set of circumstances that accompanies this wound- although I have studied them at length both from a anatomical/pathological finding to it’s relation to profile of an unsub.
I will say a very important fact that many seem to be missing is that there is an incised wound (a first attempt) directly below.
Her first attempt, one might infer.
B
This bozo (Dr. Samuels) is using the psychological tests in any way he can to serve Jodi Arias. I am well aware of the tests he discusses; listening to him twist the interpretations to convince the jury that she wasn’t lying, just telling stories because she was traumatized by slashing Travis to death. It’s not unlike my administering an MMPI to Jeffrey Dahmer and telling the court he tested out as a people-lover (parboiled or baked, of course, truth be told). His professional ethics are dubious at best.
I have a diagnosis for Dr. Samuels free of charge.
He is suffering from “Highprofileidis”- the affliction largely coincides with one’s perceived opportunity to elevate their professional and material standing.
B
If Blinks diagnosis is correct, Samuels needs to look at some of the video of his performance on the stand. I would say that Mr. Martinez is not helping his desired standing.
If Jodi shot Travis as he stood at the sink how is that supported by the path of the bullet, ie… down from the right temple to the upper left jaw? Would she have to have been standing on something or holding the gun up high with it pointed downward? It seems like he would have to have been lower than Jodi to accomodate the wound.
Additionally, if Travis knows Jodi has a gun (as has been surmised due to his expression in the shower) why would he stand at the sink and let her come up on his right side, and with her left hand hold the weapon way up high but in a downward projectile, and shoot. It seems awkward.
Blink, can you please outline the placement of Jodi and Travis during the shooting in front of the sink? I’m having a hard time picturing it in my mind.
Would it take a few minutes from the time Travis was shot (or stabbed) before he would have aspirated blood at the sink? I’m wondering why the blood wasn’t in the shower if he was shot there, or on the floor, if he was shot there. Could he have been shot at the sink? Or did he get up and go to the sink?
Juan Martinez’s hostility may be stirring sympathy for the psychologist from the jury. Accusing him of having feelings for the defendant? It may be true but it can’t be proven.
The prosecutor took a snippet of Dr Samuels recorded conversation and portrayed the opposite of what the psychologist actually said (regarding Jodi’s inability to sleep). It was a crooked thing to do and I’m sure the jury finds him distasteful.
Totally agree with this and it really came out of nowhere where I thought he had been making headway.
Translation: It is offensive to think every professional is beguiled by this girl-
I personally would not work with this gentleman because of his previous sanctions as a personal preference, but I think he ended up holding up to martinez and JM looked like a bully with jail v road exchange. He got that way wrong- and Samuels did qualify his response.
Lastly- Willmott needs to stay awake. She should have objected at that point because Samuels was absolutely right and it warranted an argumentative and or badgering objection.
I was in my office working on a different aspect of this case and hearing this in the background and yelped my sparingly-used phrase that involves metal fastening devices and small dogs, lol.
B
Well the Doc seems to expect us to believe Jodi just because he does. Except that to me it is obvious that her “denial” is not denial at all but a cover up. Her own testimony she said she wanted to divert attention away from her. She just did not want to get caught and be viewed as a person that is responsible for such a horrifiic killing.
Love the diagnosis “Highprofileidis” and ATG is absolutely right that Mr. Martinez is not helping his desired standing. Ummmm.
Amys Sister says:
March 25, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Juan Martinez’s hostility may be stirring sympathy for the psychologist from the jury. Accusing him of having feelings for the defendant?
_______________________________________
Worse than sympathy for the psychologist, it may be stirring mistrust for Martinez.
I am sickened by Prosecutor Martinez’s conduct. I do believe she is guilty of 1st degree but he is so abrasive and ego driven. I hope she gets off because I cannot stand this guy! I cannot believe a judge would let him badger witnesses the way he does! Martinez is making a mockery of this trial not the defense. He is the one who kept Dr. Samuels on the stand so long with the same questions over and over! Banging on the table and screaming is just unbelievable behavior for a prosecutor! He is so unprofessional and just turns me off! Does anyone else feel this way? This is misconduct at it’s worst! He is also trying to get Jodi’s mom too hate her by trying to get witnesses to say she hates her mom. Mrs. Arias and her twin sister have been so supportive showing up everyday in support of Jodi and to have her hear this crap that has nothing to do with this trial is disgusting! All children have issues with their parents. How dare he try to magnify their problems for shock value! I am just so disgusted and sickened by him. Anyone else think this way??
Alyce LaViolette. Court resumes Tuesday,10:30am/pdt–1:30pm/edt.
I hope they can get through this one a little quicker with less acrimony from JM.
DME says:
March 25, 2013 at 7:23 pm
__
I agree about Juan Martinez… I recognize he has a job to do but using this rabid manner of questioning with a witness is hard to watch and deters from what is important to his case. When Juan banged on the table and snarled at Dr Samuels I couldn’t believe he could get so mean and nasty.
Regarding Jodi and her mom, I respectfully disagree. I have never kicked my mother or a dog. Jodi did both.
Seriously, who kicks their own mother and dog?
Re Elizabeth says:
March 25, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Hi – Good questions I also wondered about the gunshot wound phot-
in the autopsy report this is one of the descriptions where I had the most trouble-
The ME at several points seems to be describing a frontal shot- not in the middle of the eyebrow but off to the right…although not quite a temple shot
Mr. Martinez did use the word “temple” while questioning the ME so Without seeing a photo, I think the shot must be not on the side, but smack dab on the ridge of the temple/brow..if that makes sense-
The rope was suggested to be tied to the decorative rope/fringe of the throw pillow by the prosecution-
The threads in the hallway were suggested to be fibers from the sandals
To me the “rope” reminds me of a ponytail/bun gripper the type that blends in with the color of the womans hair..
Good point about the possible footprint being that of one of the friends who discovered Travis.
Re lyla says:
March 25, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Youre welcome- yes- whenever I see her react that way I remember her begging to see the pics
AJMO
Just here to leave a quick comment in response to several people’s reactions to JM’s behavior with regards to his questioning of Samuels.
I must say that I see this in a very different light. I am new to this site, and it is safe to say that I do not have the experience to offer opinions on either the points of law or the forensics of this case.
That being said, my feelings are that good for JM. Yes, he is angry–intense style of questioning and pounding on the table for emphasis–but I’m glad to see this. Somebody needs to be angry for Travis and his family members who have to sit in the courtroom day after day listening to the defense assassinate Travis’s character.
Obviously, I nor anyone else for that matter, can say with certainty what the verdict will be. If I were a juror I would not be put of by JM’s style. I would (hopefully) use my common sense and listen to what is being said and understand that emotions run high, particularly in a Death Penalty case. To me his passion shows that he believes in his case vs. the defense who appear less than enthusiastic about their case and their client.
As a private citizen I am pleased that the “people’s lawyer” is going at this with all he has. He is showing his outrage out what appears to me to be another male who is disregarding all else in order to do what is best for JA. I believe that he drank the Jodi koolaid.
Some believe JM is trying to get people to say that JA hated her mother. A mother who sits in court everyday and doesn’t deserve to hear this stuff that has nothing to do with this trial. I would say to that “bad karma”. Much has been said about Travis that really didn’t have to do with this trial but the only one that can fight for his is JM..and again I am grateful that he does so every chance he gets.
Thank you for letting me voice my opinion and hope that even if you don’t agree with me, that you understand I too want her sentenced to LWOP.
RE DME says:
March 25, 2013 at 7:23 pm
“I am sickened by Prosecutor Martinez’s conduct. I do believe she is guilty of 1st degree but he is so abrasive and ego driven. I hope she gets off because I cannot stand this guy!”
Hello DME, there have been times during this trial that i have cringed at JMs abrasive style also. So I can understand where you are coming from-
DME, you say you believe her to be guilty of 1st degree murder-
So it would seem that you feel she brutally viciously killed Travis Alexander with malice a forethought?
You believe him to be the victim? But you hope his killer “gets off” becuase you cant stand Juan martinez?
well DME Travis Alexander is dead- he did not get to choose his representation, so
why would you hope his killer is set free becuase of who the State appointed as his representation?
- I fear that someone on the jury may feel as you do and may take it into their own hands to disregard the evidence because they do not like The prosecutors style-
that would be a travesty of justice, much like in the CA trial when some jurors “liked” the defense team better because they remembered to greet them with smiles and good mornings each day- which may have colored their decision making process.
DME you went on to write:
“I cannot believe a judge would let him badger witnesses the way he does! Martinez is making a mockery of this trial not the defense. He is the one who kept Dr. Samuels on the stand so long with the same questions over and over Banging on the table and screaming is just unbelievable behavior for a prosecutor! He is so unprofessional and just turns me off! Does anyone else feel this way? This is misconduct at it’s worst!
—I can understand your feelings and I can see why you formed these opinions he is abrasive and he is dogged in his questioning=
But I do not see it as badgering I see it as him trying his hardest to get the truth from a witness- a witness who clearly is a nice man but who is also a paid “expert” who made huge mistakes and based his opinions mostly on the lies of his “client”
As for the banging on the table, it seems JM was underscoring the point that Dr S, no matter how many times he hits the table for empahsis- it does not change the truth of the matter:
Jodi Arias was irritable and violent towards her mother long before those calls before the killing and before the aftermath of incarceration.
You wrote:
” He is also trying to get Jodi’s mom too hate her by trying to get witnesses to say she hates her mom.”
No, I totally disagree with this point
DME, he doesnt want to get Jodis mom to hate her- He wants only to show that JAs irritability- her hairpin trigger, to show her violent and abusive tendencies were not reserved for Travis alone
JM wants to show that it is a long standing pattern with JA- so that no juror can claim they didnt know when in that deliberation room- JMO
You wrote:
Mrs. Arias and her twin sister have been so supportive showing up everyday in support of Jodi and to have her hear this crap that has nothing to do with this trial is disgusting!
–Yes they have been there everyday, a good mom can never abandon her child they will never stop loving them, they will support them-
I would think it is harder for JA Mom to sit there and hear and see what her baby did to another human being. I suspect JAs mom is very sad that there wasnt some way she could have prevented it all- starting with her own tribulations with JA and ending with that horrible day in June 2008
you wrote:
“All children have issues with their parents. How dare he try to magnify their problems for shock value! I am just so disgusted and sickened by him. Anyone else think this way??”
Yes all children have issues with their parents- but all teens do not kick and hit their parents for no reason- and they certainly dont hit or kick them when they have grown into adults-
Magnify their problems? Wow, if anything the justice system prevents the prosecution from delving too deep into these incidences- as it can be construed as being too prejudicial ..
For shock value? no not for shock value but in an effort to show JA has not always written only “positively”" in her journal to illustrate that JA is not the “passive” “nonviolent” person she claimed to be-
to illustrate that if anyone in the Arias family is a victim it is JA’s poor mom not JA -to illustrate JA has a leaning toward acting out violently “for no reason” to negate her claims of “self defense” to show she in fact may be the abuser and TA may in fact be the abused..
DME thank you for sharing your thoughts- and thank you for allowing me to share mine-
I hope the jurors will be able to talk thru theirs also.
AJMO
Peace
I clicked on live stream several times today but always had to turn it off in about 5 minutes because I found Martinez too overstimulating to watch. His manner absolutely detracts from my ability to focus on his content tho I tried. This trial needs to move on.
Good morning Blink and Blinksters
I thought Mr.. Martinez to be too aggressiv first but i changed opinion about him the day i saw the cbs Interview with JA. I understood how many lies JA made up how she tries to manipulate people and i understood Mr. Martinez is by now the only voice for Travis. He is fighting alone and he is doing surely the best he can. Dr.Samuel did tests based upon lies. For me it is all said with that. He should have retested with the new informations he gained after the tests. How can a juror give any credibility to Mr.Samuel knowing that? Even if i tried to keep objektive and unpartial i would expect an expert to be more accurate.
I agree that once it was learned Jodi was lying in this “alternative reality” of hers, as admitted by Dr. Samuels he should have re-administered the test. I can tell you that at present in my experience there is a major divide- and it is a growing one, between the psych community and all areas of LE. They are at cross purposes in a way because through no fault of their own, LE’s job is to lock them after they catch them- and the psych community wants to explain why their various mental, neuro or emotional challenges got them to this place, and how treating the root cause can cure them, or at least take them out of the risk for re-offense category.
As a person who works in this “genre” I can only say that I have neither empathy nor compassion for Jodi, or likely anyone capable of a similar atrocity or how they got the way they are. Zip. Nada. I do have professional interest as a matter of learning in efforts to profile similarities for case comparison and God Help Us- hopefully to bring awareness to same before the next Jodi/Travis dynamic ends similarly.
B
She shot and stabbed him at the same time first at the sink. Just kidding…sort of.
DME says:
March 25, 2013 at 7:23 pm
—–
Right now Juan Martinez is the voice of Travis. He has a passion for what he is doing. Has he gone to far. Maybe a time or two, but for the most part no, not in my opinion. Not considering what Jodi did to Travis. Outside of the slaughter, she then wants to make him out to be an abuser with pedophilia interests. THAT is what sickens me, not Juan Martinez trying to put her away for it. Jodi was the abuser and how she treated her family supports that. It does have to do with this case when she is claiming victim. I do not think it is the intent of Juan Martinez to get Jodi’s mom to hate her, but rather to just show that Jodi is the abusive person. I certainly do not think for a minute that she should get off because of Juan Martinez style. That would sicken me as well. Do you really think a murderer should get off scott free because you do not like the prosecutor. Some people do not like the defense, do those people automatically get put away.
Actually you are proving the prevailing point. The concern is that she could get off because JM is alienating his position to the jury through his tactics. These are 12 people that will need to unanimously agree to convict her as charged.
This has nothing to do with whether or not one likes the prosecutor. I agree with you that he represents justice for Travis, and in doing so he should also preserve his burdens and responsibilities to do so in a manner consistent with a resulting successful prosecution.
I am not sure what it is about Mr. Martinez that has me wanting to know who I need to speak to – to shorten his leash but he makes me very nervous with this loose cannon technique- or lack of technique as it were.
B
Yes totally agree that this has nothing to do with whether one likes the prosecution. That was the point I was trying to make in response to a previous post which is copied in part below.
——————————————————————–
This has nothing to do with whether or not one likes the prosecutor. I agree with you that he represents justice for Travis, and in doing so he should also preserve his burdens and responsibilities to do so in a manner consistent with a resulting successful prosecution.
———————————————————————
DME says:
March 25, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I am sickened by Prosecutor Martinez’s conduct. I do believe she is guilty of 1st degree but he is so abrasive and ego driven. I hope she gets off because I cannot stand this guy! I cannot believe a judge would let him badger
LOL, Pam, thanks for including DME snippet I clearly missed. I can’t imagine anyone hoping a person that is guilty of an offense they have confessed to (albeit her version) would want them to be freed because of a few prosecutorial miscues.
B
You know, it really wouldnt matter to me whether JA had amnesia or no memory of the attack or not. At the time she was doing it she knew she was murdering someone and that it was wrong. She proved she knew because she tried to destroy to mess up the evidence and she fled the scene.
Just as the psychologist said “her memory or loss of it is not a get out of jail free card” (that’s for sure!)
But we all know she doesn’t have amnesia…she conveniently made that up so she doesn’t have to talk about it. She couldn’t keep her lies straight. Well, she cant keep her lies straight…that’s obvious by listening to her on the stand.
I think the jury has heard enough. And I have some confidence that the jurors that asked those really tough questions, or rather, made tough statements that let us know they dont believe her…they will speak their very strong opinions and will not let the weaker jurors let her off. I think the weaker people will listen to the stronger ones and follow them and their conclusions.
I pray the truth be seen and justice is served for Travis and his family.
There is no set of circumstances I buy this girl has anything but my new term I just made up – “Guilt avoidance selective amnesia”.
I find an unreasonable defense requires an unreasonable diagnosis.
B
I felt like you Blink and i understand i think what you say or what you mean about Mr. Martinez. He got me at least only because of JA…
@ tiberious says:
March 26, 2013 at 1:24 am
Spot on.
Travis was brutally slaughtered by this animal physically and now she (they) dare lie in order to slaughter his integrity. This court room needs emotion. This is not the girl scouts. It’s the trial of a woman that killed and will kill again. A woman that sexually and/or physically abused anyone from whom she could find gain. A woman who has mastered the art of mesmerizing and drawing people in to her lies and continues to do so even behind bars.
I honor the crucial men in this case that did not fall into the JA trap – Flores and Martinez.
Martinez is a brilliant attorney with a photographic memory. His recollection of key quotes and exhibit nos. during the testimony of Samuels was commendable and that maintained the leverage for the State. Samuels does appear to have an affinity to JA which seemed to affect his analysis and actions, as well as his continued skewing of the facts. As an “impartial” witness, he absolutely should be called on that. I loved the slam. Samuels got one in too. But JM got the last word when he reiterated that all of Samuels’ findings are subjective. Bam.
Jden- all due respect, but JM brilliant? He misquoted, not mischaracterized, misquoted Samuels twice and the only reason he did not look worse was because Wilmott missed it twice. The beat down on the jail issue when he specifically addressed that as a caveated response? I agree JM knows his case, but his re-direct was emotionally, sloppy and bordered on bullying.
Lastly, he has a major benefit in that the defense has no upside to challenge a great deal of evidence in this case, but personally I think that is going to bite them in the ass. They need Jodi as an invited guest at the scene and they need those pics to their advantage so they think. If JA had a strong defense they would be handing him his lunch in a sack every day with such behavior.
B
DME says:
March 25, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I am sickened by Prosecutor Martinez’s conduct. I do believe she is guilty of 1st degree but he is so abrasive and ego driven. I hope she gets off because I cannot stand this guy! I cannot believe a judge would let him badger witnesses the way he does!
~~~~~
I love Juan Martinez, and I’m grateful for his very thorough aggressive style.
What sickens me is the way JA brutally butchered Travis Alexander, and the way she and her DT are making him out to be the monster, in an attempt to put this dangerous feral creature back into our midst.
I get those of you who have strong opinions about JM because he is charged with this prosecution, but I caution you strongly- so was Jeff Ashton. When this hits the jury I pray for a different result.
B
Blink says: As a person who works in this “genre” I can only say that I have neither empathy nor compassion for Jodi, or likely anyone capable of a similar atrocity or how they got the way they are. Zip. Nada. I do have professional interest as a matter of learning in efforts to profile similarities for case comparison and God Help Us- hopefully to bring awareness to same before the next Jodi/Travis dynamic ends similarly.B
I know Blink you don ‘t have any compassion for a JA. I know Blink you are a Good Journalist wich is interested in learning, analizing cases with your brain and with a great knowledge of the justice system or why do you think i am here reading and sometimes posting? I appreciate you and your opinion is important to me and I always think about it.
Yay! The site is working.
Oye vey all, thanks for your patience. We had hoped to be doing some upgrades behind the scenes leading into the holiday overall conversions but not so lucky.
B
If any jurists who are seated have been bullied or suffered abuse in their past their perspective about the conviction may be swayed by Juan’s overly aggressive style and bullying tactics, not to mention the outright lie he placed at the feet of the court by only playing a snippet of the doctor’s testimony regarding Jodi’s inability to sleep.
It may personally feel good to some viewers to know that Samuels is being attacked but it certainly doesn’t move this prosecution forward, IMO.
I could personally get past it if I were a jurist however I also know that there are twelve different humans who are going to deliberate and not all of them will be able to overlook Juan spitting nails and snarling at witnesses. Some of them might literally lose their ability to focus on the questioning to escape his verbal onslaught with aggressive body language to go with it.
That is the exact issue I am referring to. What are the odds that 12 people were not offended by that shell game followed by the whack a mole over a street name? I will tell you what they are 1 in 4. So he pissed 3 jurors off. Will it come back or matter? I don’t know but it was avoidable.
It was clear to me JM is lacking in his Psych therapeutic and eval knowledge overall, although he knew what Samuels would testify to of course, and his computer forensics was a shanda. I would be lying if I said the chuck of the camera on the floor was not amusing at a time we needed it, lol.
Lastly, what’s the deal with only one prosecutor on this case? No offense but an intern can sort exhibits sitting next to him, the jury would benefit from being able to see a different style, imo. Wait, I am repeating myself, sorry, lol
B