PHOENIX (AP) – The long-running legal saga of convicted murderer Jodi Arias draws to a close Monday as a judge formally imposes a life sentence in the 2008 shooting and stabbing death of her on-again-off-again boyfriend.
The sentencing is largely a formality after a jury deadlocked last month on whether to give her the death penalty or life in prison. The mistrial removed the death penalty as an option, and the only remaining decision is whether the judge will allow the 34-year-old Arias to be eligible for release after 25 years or serve the rest of her life behind bars.
It’s not known if Arias will speak to Judge Sherry Stephens before she hands down the sentence. Family members of victim Travis Alexander can also address the court.
Arias killed her ex-boyfriend in 2008 after a stormy relationship. Prosecutors say she murdered him in a jealous rage because he wanted to break off the relationship.
Arias shot Alexander and stabbed him nearly 30 times in his suburban Phoenix home before fleeing and driving to Utah to meet up with another romantic interest. She was arrested weeks later and initially denied any involvement.