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Jodi Arias

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5 Mar, 2015

Doesn’t get death penalty

Judgement0 Comments

Arias is spared from the death penalty after the jury deadlocks over whether she should be executed or given a life-sentence. This is the second time a jury has been unable to reach a decision on her punishment. Arias’s sentence is up to the judge, who will either sentence her to life in prison or to a life term with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The victim’s siblings issued a statement:

[We] are saddened by the jury’s inability to reach a decision on the death penalty, however, we understand the difficulty of the decision, and have nothing but respect for the jury’s time.

13 Apr, 2015

Sentenced to life without parole

Sentence0 Comments

Judge Sherry Stephens sentences Arias to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Stephens had to rule on whether Arias would serve her natural life in prison or have the possibility of parole after 25 years. After hearing emotional statements from Alexander’s sisters, the court also heard Arias’ mother asking for leniency, and then Arias’ final plea to receive the possibility of parole in 25 years. Arias:

It’s my firm belief that death would bring me untold peace and freedom. If I die today, I would be free and I would be at peace. For years, that’s exactly what I wanted. But I have to fight for my life just like I did on June 4, 2008 because I realize how selfish it would be for me to escape accountability for this mess that I created.

Arias maintains that Alexander was trying to attack her when she stabbed him multiple times and shot him.

To this day I cannot believe I was capable of doing something that terrible. I’m truly disgusted and I’m repulsed with myself. I wish there was some way I could take it back.

Alexander’s relatives and friends all wear blue in solidarity. Prosecutor Juan Martinez says they want the maximum sentence:

not because they want to be vindictive, but [because] as you have also seen, what happened in that bathroom was a butchering.