Jodi Arias Retrial: Update, News, Media Coverage

Jodi Arias is set to return to the courtroom on Sept. 29 after the penalty phase of her trial in 2013 failed to produce a decision on whether she would receive the death penalty or life in prison. According to court records, out of the 12 jurors, eight found that Arias should get the death penalty, while four held out for life in prison. The failure to agree on a penalty forced the judge to declare a mistrial for that part of Arias' case.

While a mistrial is usually a term associated with getting a brand new slate, in Arias' case it will only apply to the sentencing portion of her trial. Arias was found to be guilty of first-degree murder, but now the only question that remains is what the punishment will be.

Arias was accused and convicted of murdering her estranged boyfriend Travis Alexander. Alexander was found in his shower by worried friends after he missed an extremely important conference call at work. Alexander was stabbed 29 times and his juglar vein had been slit. The abrasions on his hands seemed to show that Alexander had tried to defend himself before being stabbed and shot multiple times.

Due to the bizarre nature of Arias and the case in general, the Jodi Arias trial was one of the most publicized court cases in recent American history. Cameras were allowed in the courtroom, which lead to mass speculation from the public. Arias infamously testified for 18 days, which according to defense attorney Mark Geragos was an "unprecedented" amount of time for someone accused of murder. 

Throughout Arias' testimony there were numerous contradictory statements and stories as well as extremely detailed sexual and emotional abuse allegations. The testimony was difficult to listen to at times, but the American public couldn't help but focus on the greater issue of her being 'credible' or not.

After the jury was dismissed and the penalty phase was called to be a mistrial the jury foreman opened up to reporters about what went on inside the deliberation room. "I think 18 days hurt her, I think she was not a good witness. We're charged with presuming innocence, right? But she was on the stand for so long, there were so many contradicting stories."

The Arias retrial was supposed to commence earlier last week but Arias was given until Sept. 29 due to her initially claiming that she was going to represent herself, but then opted not to. The judge will also have to make a decision on the media coverage that will be allowed to be inside the courtroom. It is likely that there will be even more access granted than the previous phases of the trial.