Convicted killer Jodi Arias won’t know her sentencing for weeks, as jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict and the judge sent them packing. Her new sentencing was set for July 18.
The judge said the sentencing retrial will have a new panel of jurors, CBS reported.
Jurors could not reach a unanimous decision on life in prison versus the death penalty. Arias was convicted of first-degree murder for the gruesome murder of her boyfriend Travis Alexander.
Members of the jury cried as they left the courtroom on Thursday, CBS reported. At least one mouthed, “I’m so sorry,” to others in court. Mr. Alexander’s family cried, too, CBS said, and even Arias looked upset. She has backtracked in recent days about her desire for the death penalty, claiming instead that she would prefer — for her family’s sake — the prison sentence.
She also said in a jail interview with The Associated Press several days ago that she hoped for a second chance at freedom, one day.
“We appreciated the jury’s work in the guilt and aggravation phases of the trial, and now we will assess, based upon available information, what the next steps will be,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, in the CBS report.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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