Comment: Jodi Arias is a cunning psychopath. It is in their nature to deceive people. They enjoy it. They are especially gifted at mimicking normal human emotions thereby manipulating the rest of us into thinking they are like us.
Arias, who seemed like a seasoned pro during numerous TV interviews, has been relaying tweets from prison on everything from domestic violence to artwork she sells online to health tips.
So why is Arizona repeating this spectacle? Arias was convicted on May 8th, 2013 of brutally murdering Travis Alexander in 2008, but the jury hung by a vote of 8 to 4 (8 for death) on the question of whether she should be executed.
That means she is guaranteed at least life in prison, the only question would be whether she would ever be eligible for parole. So why not just offer her life without parole and end this sordid legal drama?
Comment: Psychopaths love the attention. She has manipulated the system so that all eyes are on her. They are masters at obfuscating with lies and charm.
(It's always possible that happened and she rejected it, but it seems highly unlikely based on the pleas of the defense team and determination of prosecutors to pursue death).
Many who support this new trial talk like failing to execute her would be akin to letting her walk. Beyond the absurdity of that on its face, it's important to note that Arizona is one of only two states that would even permit this type of death penalty retrial.
Full disclosure: I have never thought this was a death penalty case. Not because I believe her far-fetched claims of abuse but because as horrible as it was, this is a somewhat typical domestic murder -- hardly representative of the worst of the worst for which I believe the death penalty should be reserved. She was a jealous, troubled and spurned lover.
Comment: You can read more on Jodi Arias on our Forum here.