On May 23, 2013, eight men and four women convicted Jodi Arias of first-degree murder in the death of her former lover, Travis Alexander. Now, a second jury will decided whether Arias will receive a sentence of life in prison or a death by lethal injection at the end of the week.
According to Arizona law, a new jury must determine the sentence in an unanimous verdict. If a jury is unable to reach such a decision, the judge will issue a sentence. The judge, however, cannot render a decision on the death penalty and would, therefore, choose between sentencing Arias to life in prison, or life in prison with the eligibility for parole in 25 years.
“Judge Sherry Stephens reset the Status Conference and Motion to Continue Trial from 7/18/2013 to 7/16/2013 in State v. #JodiArias,” the Maricopa County Superior Court tweeted.
Lawyers could potentially reach an agreement and not go to another trial.
There are several elements under consideration before the court hearing takes place. The Arizona Constitution secures the victim’s family the right to consult with prosecutors before the case is resolved and Alexander family feedback would carry weight in the proceedings—especially if defense lawyers make an offer to take the death penalty off of the table.
A second factor under consideration is the location of the new trial.