Arias Back In Court For Death Penalty Argument
Jodi Arias returns to court today as her attorneys ask the judge to vacate the jury's decision that the 2008 killing of her boyfriend was "especially cruel," a finding that allowed the panel to consider the death penalty.
Arias was convicted of first-degree murder May 8 in the stabbing and shooting death of Travis Alexander in his suburban Phoenix home. About two weeks later, the same jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on whether to sentence Arias to life in prison or death. While her murder conviction stands, the judge declared a mistrial of the penalty phase.
Prosecutors say they are preparing to try again for the death penalty with a new jury, but would consider a resolution short of a new trial.
Arias admitted she killed Alexander, but claimed it was self-defense.
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