Jodi Arias: Defense Requests Jurors’ Twitter Accounts
Jodi Arias will return to court on September 16 for her sentencing retrial. Maricopa Judge Sherry Stephens ordered a new jury for the sentencing phase. Arias’ defense team has now requested the Twitter accounts of the new jurors.
As reported by USA Today, attorney Kirk Nurmi requested the information so jurors’ activity on social media can be monitored during the trial. Nurmi is concerned that jurors may receive direct messages about the case through social media.
The defense also filed a motion to limit live coverage of the trial. They contend that the media attention has deterred witnesses from testifying on Jodi’s behalf.
Judge Stephens is expected to rule on both motions on September 16.
Jury selection is expected to begin in September. The jurors will be tasked with sentencing only as Jodi Arias was already convicted in the 2008 murder of Travis Alexander.
Jodi contends that she killed Alexander in self-defense. She has stated that she was a victim of emotional, sexual, and physical abuse.
Prosecutors argued that Arias killed Alexander in a premeditated jealous rage. They stated that Arias was angry because the relationship ended.
Arias was found guilty of first-degree murder. On May 23, the sentencing phase resulted in a hung jury. Judge Stephens declared a mistrial in the sentencing portion.
As reported by ABC News, the jurors will be tasked with deciding if Arias is sentenced to death. If the second jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, she will be sentenced to life in prison. Judge Stephens will decide whether there is a possibility for parole.
Although Arias’ defense has spoken out against social media. Arias continues to post Twitter messages via a friend.
Her most recent messages include a plea for books and a quote that criticizes the media. Previous message have requested support and monetary donations.
“The media will grab a specious story and run with it; soon it’s accepted as fact..It’s a form of willful ignorance.” – Bill Goodykoontz
— Jodi Arias (@JodiAnnArias) August 25, 2013
Jodi Arias’ defense team has argued that they want to keep the trial out of the spotlight. However, Arias continues to communicate through social media and grant jailhouse interviews.
