Deadlock for Jodi Arias jury;
mistrial declared on penalty phase:
mistrial declared on penalty phase:
Even given a second chance to determine Arias' fate a Phoenix jury still couldn't unanimously decide whether she should be put to death for killing Travis Alexander or given a life sentence instead.
In Arizona, such indecision automatically results in a mistrial, which can either be resolved by the prosecution abandoning pursuit of the death penalty, or, alternately, by seating a brand new sentencing jury.
A new jury entails months more of deliberations as they necessarily review all the previous testimony and evidence -- a daunting task in a trial that has dragged on for months and months without end.
Millions of dollars have already been spent to prosecute the defendant, in a highly televised trial of circus proportions that even saw witnesses for the defense intimidated from testifying and defense lawyers motioning at least twice to be recused citing irreconcilable differences with their client.
Although these now-dismissed jurors are the very same ones who previously proclaimed Jodi Arias guilty of "especially cruel" premeditated homicide, her subsequent mitigating testimony and post-trial television interview from jail has clearly created some confusion in their minds.
Yet another reason cameras should have been barred from the entire courtroom spectacle and jurors sequestered at all times.
Also perplexing, no doubt, is the fact that Arias had no prior criminal history before the gruesome slaying of Alexander, and still firmly clings to the contention that she was a victim of domestic violence and his murder committed in self defense.
Certainly, from sexually graphic descriptions of her relationship with the victim, plus reams upon reams of the couple's less than loving communiqués, there undeniably existed an inherently abusive and unhealthy bond between them.
Whatever happens now, though, there are more than ample grounds for future appeals, so whether Arias ultimately lives or dies is still a destiny that's as far off as ever.
SCROLL TO THE POLL AND YOU DECIDE THEN: Should the defendant be executed by lethal injection for 'cruelly' killing Travis Alexander, or given a life sentence instead?
A new jury entails months more of deliberations as they necessarily review all the previous testimony and evidence -- a daunting task in a trial that has dragged on for months and months without end.
Millions of dollars have already been spent to prosecute the defendant, in a highly televised trial of circus proportions that even saw witnesses for the defense intimidated from testifying and defense lawyers motioning at least twice to be recused citing irreconcilable differences with their client.
Although these now-dismissed jurors are the very same ones who previously proclaimed Jodi Arias guilty of "especially cruel" premeditated homicide, her subsequent mitigating testimony and post-trial television interview from jail has clearly created some confusion in their minds.
Yet another reason cameras should have been barred from the entire courtroom spectacle and jurors sequestered at all times.
Also perplexing, no doubt, is the fact that Arias had no prior criminal history before the gruesome slaying of Alexander, and still firmly clings to the contention that she was a victim of domestic violence and his murder committed in self defense.
Certainly, from sexually graphic descriptions of her relationship with the victim, plus reams upon reams of the couple's less than loving communiqués, there undeniably existed an inherently abusive and unhealthy bond between them.
Whatever happens now, though, there are more than ample grounds for future appeals, so whether Arias ultimately lives or dies is still a destiny that's as far off as ever.
SCROLL TO THE POLL AND YOU DECIDE THEN: Should the defendant be executed by lethal injection for 'cruelly' killing Travis Alexander, or given a life sentence instead?
She claims she ought to be spared and "given a second chance" because she can "contribute to society" in a variety of useful ways, including encouraging literacy among fellow inmates, donating her long hair to cancer patients (again), and advocating for domestic abuse victims.
But Team Alexander says NOPE, Arias is just a heartless, conniving, fork-tongued sociopath who should be put to death without a second thought or a moment's hesitation.
To cast your vote, simply post a reply of "Life sentence" or "Death sentence" in the comment section below (no essays please) and I'll tally the results as they come in.
To cast your vote, simply post a reply of "Life sentence" or "Death sentence" in the comment section below (no essays please) and I'll tally the results as they come in.
