Jodi Arias Trial: Sheriff’s Office Bans Defense From Jail
Jodi Arias, a 33 year old ex-waitress convicted of first degree murder, escaped the death penalty during the 2013 trial which gripped the nation. The murder, which occurred in 2008 in Arizona, is one of the more gruesome scenes depicted in a courtroom in recent history but the jurors could not reach a decision regarding a sentence. Arias’ penalty retrial is scheduled to begin in September beginning with jury selection. Under Arizona law, while her murder conviction will stand, prosecutors are given the option of putting on a second penalty phase with a new jury in an effort to obtain a death sentence.
If a second jury fails to recommend a penalty, the death penalty is removed from consideration and the judge will sentence Arias to 25 years to life in jail.
Earlier the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office banned one of Jodi Arias’ defense aides from visiting Arias in jail. The Sheriff’s Office says that mitigation specialist Maria De La Rosa will no longer be permitted to visit Arias in prison because she took one of Jodi Arias’ drawings out of the facility saying that the drawing is contraband and that De La Rosa will not be permitted to deliver things to Arias.
De La Rosa attorney Dan Raynak told The Arizona Republic that the ban is outrageous and that she only handled legal material. Arias’ attorney Jennifer Willmott says that the drawing could potentially be used in the penalty phase retrial in September.
In 2008, Jodi Arias admitted to killing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander by administering many stab wounds, shooting him in the face, and slashing his throat inside Alexander’s own home. Arias’ post murder actions were as much of the coverage as the murder itself. Arias showed herself to be erratic, unrepentant, and she was accused of being a compulsive liar. Her courtroom antics were highlighted by the cross examination of Arizona State Prosecutor, Juan Martinez. Martinez himself caught some heat for his conduct in the courtroom while representing the state of Arizona.
This may be one of many hurdles that the defense may endure while preparing for the penalty phase retrial for Jodi Arias.
