Jodi Arias Trial Verdict IS IN: GUILTY Of MURDER In The Slaying Of Travis Alexander
Image courtesy Arias
Phoenix, AZ- In the 4 month long trial of Jodi Ann Arias for the murder of her brief boyfriend Travis Victor Alexander, the jury deliberating since last Friday has arrived at a verdict in her case. Arias was found guilty of the pre-meditated murder of Travis Alexander on June 4th, 2008.
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Lindsay
I hope you have read the link provided by Eloise in her post #9 above.
There are cases referenced in the link having to do with the amount of time a jury deliberates relating to the length of time that the trial encompassed. One of the examples had to do with a trial of eleven days and the jury was hung after a few hours. The appeal had to do with the relationship of time of trial to time of deliberation. The judge in that case made them keep going for a total of two days. This amounted to a little less than 20 per cent of the trial time.
Our court systems do not all have the same procedures across the various states. These are procedures that have evolved over time in an effort to make certain that the person on trial is treated fairly in the eyes of the law.
In the case of a murder, Arizona has developed an extended process to meet the needs of the state as well as the 9th circuit.
Travis did not get those benefits from Jodi. She became the judge, jury and executioner all rolled up into one.
If we go back to the original set of rules for the civil behavior of society (the 10 commandments) we have “thou shalt not kill”. This directs society not to do something, but leaves punishment to the decision of those making up society.
If you read the New Testament account of Jesus and his brother James on their trip to Jerusalem where James was arrested for a minor civil infraction, we find that James was told by Jesus that he knew James believed in the laws of GOD. In addition, James was told that he must recognize the laws of Ceasor as well and to obey them.
The rules for this jury are those which were given by the judge. The fact that they must find for life or death is the purpose for the rules. Some have a most difficult time in making such a decision. This is not something that anyone should take lightly. However, there are times where society benefits by removing a persons life. That to me is the important thing to consider. It is not about revenge, it is about the protection of society as a whole.
I have never been in prison but have been in jail and because I was pregnant and luckily nobody got hurt with the gun, they let me go if I promised never to go back to that town again(Really-sounds like the Wild West,doesn’t it?) I did sneak back in in the middle of the night once just to show I can, and to see the pretty cobblestone streets again and drive past my son’s father’s house(Stalking behaviour) My poor parents. They drove all night to come and get me even though they both had stressful jobs and were living paycheck to paycheck and had 4 other kids to take care of.Unfortunately, I got many decent(not great) jobs but once the background check went through, out I went. When my Dad was dying of leukemia, he said to me:Jeni,(not my real name) most people are good— and “Please let me die in peace” I did. Some people believe in heaven and hell as 2 separate places, some people believe it’s all the same place, and some people don’t believe at all, What if it’s all one place and Jodi gets the death penalty? Poor Travis.
The biggest problem is that the most damning evidence of the lack of mitigating factors has been in the post verdict interviews, which the jury cannot consider. They are only allowed to consider mitigation presented in the third phase, are not allowed to consider any new evidence of aggravation after aagravation phase, and because they are ( technically) not privvy to interviews.
After effects of this trial if Arias gets life with parole:
Uncorrobated testimony of Domestic Violence recounted on the stand, years after the allegded incident, will be taken into consideration as evidence of intent to kill, merely by citing Arizona versus Arias.
Language in emails can be submitted as threatening behavior, even though no physical threat is made, by citing Arizona versus Arias.
A person can be considered a victim of domestic violence even if they live one thousand miles away at time of crime and have not co-habitated with their victim at any time , have no financial ties, have no children, or any dependancy on abuser in any way, simply by citing ” Arizona versus Arias.
Alledged Images in a photograph of a victims’s eyeball may be submitted as evidence by citingArizon versus Arias.
Moral character of victim of homicide may be attacked by perpetrator of homicide as part of perp’s defense by citing Arizona versus Arias.
In mitigation phase, defendant will be allowed to present unfounded claims of business ventures and programs they will put in place in prison by citing Arizona versus Arias.
Defendant will have right to give interviews during guilt, sentencing and penalty phase, by citing Arizona versus Arias.
ok I am confused or spazzing lol but can someone tell me if there was a jury question AND an announcement that they could not come to an agreement. Also was there an ommission in the instructions AND the Allen charge.
If there was a jury question, what was it?
If there was an instruction that was ommitted, what was it?
The link provied earlier with repect to the ommitted jury instruction was the Allen charge and that is not the same thing. The allen charge was given in response to the jury saying they could not reach an agreement.
Thanks to anyone that can clarify/answer this for me.
ok just found out that the jurors have a question so to clairfy, my above post was referring to yesterdays events.
Back in courtroom. Juror has a question. The State and Defense do not object. An answer will be submitted to the jury. Btw they did not state what the question was.
We just can’t go through the entire holiday weekend…we just can’t.
I’m with B…I wanna throw things.
JA will quickly fade away after the trial ends, without regard to her final sentence.
She is not nearly as smart or manipulative as many give her credit. She did not create this circus, she merely jumped on for the ride. She is a product of modern media, the offspring of Nancy Grace and company, and the spawn of reality television.
Women kill their children all the time (a very sad fact), but don’t get notoriety without Nancy Grace shouting about “tot mom” and without a televised trial.
The media has been drawn to this case because it contains the basic core of a Hollywood movie: Gratuitous nudity, sex, jealousy, violence and murder. After the verdict is reached, there will be a few stories immediately after the trial, and a little bit of press as previously suppressed information is released; but, Jodi Arias will rapidly fade from public view as the country prepares for the Zimmerman-Martin trial and Nancy Grace and company pack up for Orlando.
Christy says:
May 23, 2013 at 2:58 pm
We just can’t go through the entire holiday weekend…we just can’t.
I’m with B…I wanna throw things.
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spazzing helps lol
ATG
THANK YOU for your post @ 12:44.
——
Arias concept of what constitutues a higher power has varied over the years, by her own admission. She clearly resides in an ” amoral” universe and maybe that is what is angering me the most; that she puts herself above moral judgement while demanding others view Travis in a moral context.
Is the jury having a morality crisis, or has the tactic of witholding mitigation witnesses for Arias, (compunded by Arias unrebutted claim that patty Womack couldn’t testify because she was harrassed and threatened) left the jury thinking they do not have a complete enough picture to pass judgement, thereby feeling that the judge, who would know more than they , should be the one to decide?
@Christy
I hope I’m wrong but it doesn’t appear they will reach a decision today. Is there court tomorrow? If not we might be looking at more deliberations next Tuesday.
Wow! Your comments just leave me breathless, and that means all of you. Thanks GeorgiaDad for saying, in essence, that Arias cannot become the face for any causes from prison. Whodunnit, your comments about possible jury confusion due to the mitigating factor phase make a lot of sense.
Finally, it may be that a juror is refusing to follow the instructions they’ve been given. Mr. Martinez was very clear that there are no mitigating factors. Since the jury determined the existence of an aggravating factor the penalty should be death. It would be nice to know what questions have been asked for a clue as to what they continue to deliberate.
Whodunnit, I just have to tell you that your post are wonderful and you make it so easy to follow your points. I really want to thank you for posting here. You bring up Arias concetp of a higher power. I do not believe she believes in any higher power or even a lower power. She believes only in herself and the area in her immediate view. Death will not release her it will only cut off her view.
Ugh- what stress? and who am I?
I was wondering, is it possible one of the questions could have been if they could be if they could pray or utilize a bible?
Any ideas Blink on what the sealed questions x3 might be?
PS: Court reporter summoned to room 6:20 PM
I don’t know, but I am wondering if there is one hold out, or if there is a concern that a juror brought inappropriate dialogue into the discussion? As in, media accounts or third party?
Someone is experiencing ogida as a result of a hold out?
I don’t have faith this jury is going to get there, but I am hopeful.
B
B
Something is going on in the court house. Court reporter entering the court room. More questions from jurors, can’t make decision? No one knows yet.
Thank you Ode and Inda for compliments- right back at you and all- we certainly have a great bunch here led by our fearless leader Blink!
The jury instructions for this phase are not as easy to comprehend as the aggravation phase.
Lots of language that makes it look like the judge and state will simply be following the jury’s orders, but the reality is that the jury is bound by their obligation to follow the laws of the state when executingtheir judgement.
I think the way the instructions are written are meant to convey that the jury will not and can not be over ridden or co- erced by the judge. The instructions also allow the jurors to change their minds, or adhere to their own personal beliefs in making their decisions- and it could be that even though the jurors believed in the DP when they were chosen, after this trial, they are not sure anymore, or have changed their minds.
I hope that all of this- and the other high profile cases we have seen lately will lead to a honest appraisal of our current jury system, It is a system that was constructed when the population was different, the media was different, the laws themselves were different- and centuries ago ( literally).
Hung Jury….
No, hung in the penalty phase.
B
This is just so sickening. I feel so bad for Travis’s family.
It definitely is, but I feel hearing from the jury will shed some light.
B
One or two jurors believe that Travis may in fact have been abusing Jodi and simply could not get past that enough to sentence her to death.
I believe there is a percentage of people who believe they could sentence a murderer to death however when it comes right down to doing it they simply cannot bring themselves to it.
I think that is true, and if they arrived at that conclusion in ernest as they were qualified, I don’t know of any preparation to know upfront.
B
“No, hung in the penalty phase.
B”
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Where will they find an impartial jury?
They will not, imo.
B
Well I was hoping for at least life instead of hung. But on the other hand there is still hope for dp, and I truly feel that is what she deserves.
Can any of her post verdict interviews now be used as evidence?
Hers, yes.
B
Any sense of why Arias was upset prior to verdict?
She ought to know she was probably 1 away from death.
The Judge needs to muzzle her for the piblic good
& the Alexanders’ good.
Yeah for her interviews then.
I reverse.
I reverse, they will not be talking for today.
B
What’s the next step for Juan and Nurmi?
Nurmi will be released, imo. Juan will meet with Montgomery and decide whether to empanel or seek a sentence of life with or without parole.
I got lots to say that will sound repetitive, so I will hold for now.
B
In the past when polled juror no. one has always been very difficult to hear but today she spoke up quite clearly. The other jurors also spoke up quite clearly today, as they typically do, with the exception of juror no. sixteen.
Inda- I mean no disrespect, but I do not want to have any conversations here without merit about specific jurors. I am as upset as the next person, well, the persons that did not scream from day one this case is frought with appellate issues, but I am not of the opinion that a death penalty verdict is the burden of the jury with the case presented before them. We do not know yet what “hung them”, but I suspect I do.
I really believe that the family has been taught to frame the DP as their win. Another perspective that the prosecutor and victims advocate failed to impart to this family.
That said, I don’t blame them for a second for that desire, which I agree with, but I would really like to be assured that they are being counseled appropriately.
o/t: Dr. Drew female guests have the worst hair, and i do believe they are competing with Jordan Rose.
B
Yes, PamSpaz and Blink, no doubt Mr. Martinez will use snips from JA’s numerous post-conviction interviews to show her profound lack of remorse and empathy. I suspect the defense will ask for a change of venue, but before they do they may want to review the case of Darlie Routier. She is the Texas mother who stabbed her two young sons, Damon and Devon, to death in 1996. I am sure ATG will remember her case. Her defense asked for a change of venue and it was granted – her trial was moved to one of the most conservative counties in Texas. She was found guilty and sentenced to death.
3 out of 5 dp hung juries resulted in a dp verdict in AZ.
B
Blink-
Now does Nurmi & Wilmont stay on for this?
Great question , E.
They will be released, imo, as they have requested repeatedly.
B
Where will Jodi stay now? Will she stay in the Maricopa jail? Maximum security? No contact with other inmates?
Status quo outside of any preventative measures.
B
Not to detract from events of today, but @GraceitHills, did you see this interview in full?
http://www.azcentral.com/12news/articles/20130520jodi-arias-darryl-brewer-interview.html
Imo the abject change he describes does not relate to PrePaid Legal, Mormonism, or Travis.
Imo this is the onset of the Axis I illness as described by a longterm intimate & she’s at the right age.
I wonder about family history of mental illness.
http://www.azcentral.com/12news/articles/20130520jodi-arias-darryl-brewer-interview.html
Personally I think Nurmii did the least he could get away with, & Willmot was/is inept. If she wants to live
Arias needs to agree to a qualitative inpatient psych workup fast.
I am confused as to the law in Arizona-
is it MANDATORY that a new jury be appointed in the event of a hung jury?
OR does the State have the choice to agree to life instead of death, and leave the specifics ( lwop or life with possibility of parole) up to the judge?
In other words, is there more than one option at this point , or is the next step definitely a new jury?
NO.
I may have mis-spoke previously. It is the decision of JM and his boss, Bill Montgomery to decide whether or not to seek a new jury for penalty. He has the right to ask the Judge for a life verdict based on the issues of probability of success in that endeavor. If they do not, Judge Stephens has only the option of LWOP or with, she cannot sentence her to death.
If they choose a new jury, it is very likely Arias will need to testify and not allocute as she did in this one, and I am not convinced as most are that as much as I hate this outcome, it is temporary.
B
I haven’t followed the trial today. Too much sadness in the world…needed a break.
So, is it official the jury is hung in pen phase? Also, could the jury have asked for documentation to verify that the SURVIVOR shirts, are in fact, 100% donated to victims (vs. the $$$ being used to support her own cause).
I did catch some ‘clips’ of JA in court today. Seems the makeup is another luxury. Man, she she is the master of trickery. Satan is her only fan.
Random thoughts…sorry friendies. I have no continuum related to my thought process….
Her interviews are damning her further and for someone who appears to think things through, when it comes to her causes, she’s becoming her own worst enemy. The contradictions are now countless.
Still, we need to remember she does not think like a healthy minded person. Her mind is so much like that of a toddler. Their world is small. Sharing is NOT an option. Mine mine mine. Whatever it takes to get my toy back…
Most of us have witnessed the interesting ways toddlers and very young children learn to share, not to hit….they need to be taught compassion, right from wrong, what NO means….etc. JA is in some ways, a toddler minded adult. I have to admit, my compassion wanes, but I’m so grateful the Lord keeps pulling me back and asking me to trust Him.
I’ve said this so many times, but HE IS THE GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL REDEEMER! Sometimes, our faith calls us to let go of what we have no control over and give it to him, completely. Have you ever left your garbage on the curb, only to chase the garbage truck after it’s picked it up? No. It’s the same with God. Once you give it to Him, trust Him. We all have garbage, especially related to this case, we MUST give up, or the stench and decomp will over take us.
Please, my dear friendies, the outcome may not be what we want but it will be just. Don’t give up and don’t stop praying for the families.
Yours in the Rose of Sharon~~~
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1
http://www.bible-knowledge.com/jesus-as-the-rose-of-sharon/
I do hope that things move ahead as planned, but I am thinking that perhaps her new lawyers will move for more time to prepare and possibly argue some points that would have come out in appeal should she have been sentenced today. I don’t begin to know how Arizona law works, but should there be any road blocks, can JM settle for life in prison and be done with this nightmare that is JA?
he can, he won’t.
B
-snipped
Arias appeared emotional as the verdict was read and the jurors were also emotional, some of them crying. One even mouthed the words, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” to Alexander’s family who was anxiously awaiting closure in the courtroom.
http://tinyurl.com/oshvw6m
The jury obviously wasn’t thinking of the Alexander family. I’m wondering if, when the next trial begins, they should not appear until the middle of the trial, once the jury becomes used to looking at JA. I think that the impact of the entire family would be fresh and effective. Also, I read that Jodi’s jail is like a sorority. Could that be true?
The jury is not supposed to be thinking of Travis’s family in it’s deliberations and it is unfair of anyone to task them with same.
We are sick over this non-verdict, but let’s respect the system that is imperfect, but the ONLY one I would ever want deciding my fate in the world.
B
go Juan.
@Blink. agreed on the Dr Drew panel hair thing.
I could hardly look at them but figured they
were each trying to stand out.
On the other hand, JVM’s now looks soft & much improved
I realized a couple days ago.
ROTFL
Right? Although today is the first day in weeks I have watched JVM.
I am a hair person, I work at it in appropriate situations for work and public junketts, but when your panel looks like a hybrid of Hollywood Squares and a Breck commercial you need to take a time out to assess.
And tell two friends, who tell two friends.
B
what are the chances of wilmott and nurmi being allowed off the case?
100%.
B
Oh and I posted earlier from one of her interviews that she stated his last words to her were about the pics and what to delete/keep and just chit chat. So where is the freaking fight that she had to defend herself from and kill him. So hope this is brought up and pointed out to the new jury, even though she has already been convicted.
Inda- I mean no disrespect, but I do not want to have any conversations here without merit about specific jurors.
It’s probably too early to speak about the jurors in any way. They haven’t yet spoken themselves and they have given so much. I appreciate and respect your remarks.
TY
B
Blink O/T very funny about DrDrews guests hair
I needed that laugh today
Thanks Malty, I inappropriately pride myself on the sillcabre. That is my own word for silly-macabre. It is a necessary and dare I say scripted- process for us to manage the emotions of such cases and continue advocacy.
B
While I am extremely surprised at the jury verdict, I still have faith that the judge will do right by the Alexander family. I can see the disgust on her face every day. I really really do. I cannot even understand why this jury could not vote death. Just don’t get it. I have talked here before of my only daugter. It has been almost ten years. She was murdered almost the very same way as Travis. Andrea only got 19 stabs. Throat cut, dragged throgh the house, dumped naked, face down in the tub. Her face went down the drain. I have come to terms, I live with it, it has been ten years.
My point is… Travis’ family has no choice, just untold hurt. These are cards that have been dealt to them. They have to live with it.
They now will live with it wether they want to or not. Travis is gone, Travis will only come back in dreams. Either way, Arias is done. She will be buried within the prison system and forgotten. That is her fate. She will Never surface again.
Lord bless the family of Travis and all the souls that stood for him. It is over, it is over. Finally her mouth is shut. She is now silenced forever.
She can never hurt Travis again.
I am really concerned about Stephen Alexander first then all of this family
How much more can they take This has been 5 years for them of loss and tears
I agree Malty, and this is where the victims advocate comes in, and that should also be a part of Martinez’s direction. That said, there is simply no way to prepare this family for what has been done to them. I cannot stand the pain on their faces, and I am angered for them.
That said, I desperately want them to be seeing a mental health professional/ psychotherapist to help them in this very un-appreciated and choiceless journey.
I know that Travis would want that for them.
This cannot ruin them, it cannot, and I want to be sure that they are getting the help they need to cope, but more than that- to ENDURE.
I am so sorry they have to.
B
PamSpaz says:
“May 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm
what are the chances of wilmott and nurmi being allowed off the case?
100%.
B”
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L M A O !!!!
@Blink,malty. like you my greatest concern is Alexander sibs
but most especially Stephen who appears most distraught. .
They need professional legal and mental health focused support, and Imo
Martinez’ supervisor needs to put them first.
Oh man am I frustrated, and sad. What a day for the Alexander family.
I was so hoping for a verdict today that fit the crime, but that didn’t happen. I don’t know where they’re going to find a jury that is unbiased. This case is now known all around the world! I understand that if a new jury cannot agree on a verdict, then the Judge will give Jodi her sentence, unless Juan wants to go for a deal.I cant see him doing that however, he was adamant on the death penalty. Maybe its a positive thing, that a new jury will see the facts, and see them with fresh eyes & ears. The sheriff has stated that Jodi wont be giving anymore interviews, yaay!! Blink, I know that Nurmi will be off the case, but do you think Wilmott will stay? Gosh this is so awful, that when I growled out loud at my discontent at what happened today, my cat looked at me and ran under
the bed. lol
It can be a positive thing in the long run, but that forest is a forest without trees at the moment- for many.
Willmott will be excused as well.
B
No more interviews for JA, as per Sheriff Joe Arpaio (source: HLN)
just saw linda k baden on hln
she is the best
Seriously- she defines my love hate fetish I cannot seem to have included in any DSM.
I don’t have to like her endeavors, clients or whatever, but she is a brilliant attorney in a sea of guppies, imo.
B
now I can throw things?
lol…jk…
I’m pizzed at HLN feeding the hysteria..this is not a win for JA, its prolonging her fate. Either Life or Death, right?
I feel so so sad for Travis’ family and friends. I feel , as Blink does, they were told the DP is their ‘win’. Yes, I want to see her pay with her life for all she’s done, but its her suffering in any way that will please me.
DP and all the appeals makes me worry.
LWOP makes me worry too.
For her to not have contact, the spotlight, etc is suffering for her.
She may meet her end via vigilante justice prison style.
To someone with nothing to lose anyway, notoriously knocking off America’s most hated would be fine for them.
Sorry, but….LOLOLOL!!
8 for Death
4 for Life
The problem that I have is that I truly do NOT believe that they followed the law. What mitigator weighed more then the especially cruel aggravator that all 12 of them had already agreed on??? Book club? Donating hair?? Teaching ASL -sign language??? Teaching espanol? Her families feelings? A recycling program? Come on.
I wonder what these 4 may think and how they may feel when they see the AZ Central video from 2 days ago with the former guard from Perryville who said that the prison already has each and every one of those programs that SHE was going to introduce for the inmates?
What mitigation was of greater weight then the especially cruel aggravator??? ZIP. Which means they based their decision on some emotional and/or ethereal basis which is such a disappointment that their allegiance to rational thought and adherence to the law were so easily discarded in less than one hour.