PHOENIX (AP) – An Arizona judge on Wednesday granted Jodi Arias’ motion to delay the start of her planned Sept. 8 penalty phase retrial.
Arias briefly addressed the judge Wednesday morning before the courtroom was closed to the media and public. The judge then granted Arias’ request, setting a new retrial date for Sept. 29.
Defense lawyers and prosecutors declined to comment.
Arias, who is now serving as her own attorney, argued that she needed more time to interview an expert witness she plans to call during the retrial.
The 34-year-old former waitress was convicted of murder last year in the 2008 killing of her ex-boyfriend, but jurors couldn’t reach a decision on her sentence. Under Arizona law, prosecutors have the option of putting on a second penalty phase with a new jury in an effort to secure a death sentence.