Verdict released for the Jodi Arias First-Degree Murder Trial
Jodi Arias found guilty of first degree murder and now awaits final sentencing.
After a 19-week trial and a three day jury deliberation, Jodi Arias has been found guilty for the murder of ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander in 2008.
When the trial began in early Jan. of this year, she was accused of stabbing Alexander 27 times, slit his throat, and shot him in the head. Arias claimed that she was not guilty and had no involvement in the crime. For more details on the case click here.
According to USA Today, Arias was surprised by the jury’s decision. She says, “It was unexpected for me, yes, because there was no premeditation on my part.”
Arias now awaits the for the jury’s decision as to whether she will receive life in prison or the death penalty. She told interviewers that she would “prefer to die sooner than later” and that “death is the ultimate freedom.” Since then Arias has been put on suicide watch.
Arias says that she would prefer the death penalty due to the fact that she is a healthy person and longevity runs in her family. She also hopes that the family of Alexander can find peace now with the verdict.
When the verdict was read spectators gasped, while crowds of people outside of the courthouse cheered.
Defense attorneys say that Arias killed Alexander in June 2008 in an unplanned fit of rage as she reacted to what attorneys portrayed as his pattern of emotional and physical abuse.
Discussion on final sentencing has already begun.If she gets the sentence she desires, she will be the fourth woman in Arizona to ever be put on death row. Check back for updates as the story develops
