Jurors in the murder trial of Jodi Arias, 32, are set to begin deliberations on Monday after hearing closing arguments on Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3. Arias, whose trial began on January 2, could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the 2008 killing of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander.
On Thursday, Prosecutor Juan Martinez addressed the jury by articulating the gruesome details of Alexander's death which included almost 30 stab wounds, a slashed jugular, and a gunshot wound to the head. Martinez stated the 30-year old Alexander, "did not die calmly."
In a trial marked by steamy revelations of a lurid affair, Martinez was intent on matching the graphic details of the couple's sex life with Aria's alleged fury. "And this love, well, she rewarded this love for Travis Alexander by sticking a knife in his chest. She slit his throat as a reward for being a good man."
Although having denied involvement in the murder during the initial investigation, and then having falsely accused two masked assailants, Arias has admitted to shooting and stabbing her ex-boyfriend, claiming it was self-defense. Defense for Arias has argued Alexander was abusive, both physically and emotionally, and that he attacked Arias in a violent rage after a day of sex and raunchy photo taking.
Both sides have presented expert witnesses to provide testimony on the mental state of Arias, who claims to not remember the stabbings. On May 1, Psychologist Robert Geffner, explained on behalf of the defense, that Arias was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The prosecution's experts have argued Arias showed signs of borderline personality disorder, which include inappropriate anger, paranoia, despondency, and a history of unstable relationships.
After the defense's closing arguments on Friday, the jury will have to decide between four choices that will determine Arias fate: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or acquittal. If the prosecution succeeds in convincing the jury Arias' attack was premeditated, her sentence could include the death penalty.
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