An Arizona jury deliberated for 26 hours and came back hung on the decision whether or not to put convicted murderer Jodi Arias to death.
The Associated Press reported that Judge Sherry Stephens announced in court on Thursday that the jurors could not all come to an agreement about Arias’ fate and thus declared a mistrial. With the death penalty off the table, the 34-year-old will now be sentenced to life in prison or the possibility of being released after 25 years.
HLN noted that Arias’ attorney Kirk Nurmi spoke to reporters following the announcement.
“Obviously, as I said, during the closing arguments, during the opening statements, and several times during the trial, that the events of June 4, 2008 were a tragedy, and the no verdict ultimately could repair that sadness,” he said. “I don’t think today’s victory will repair any sadness or change anything but we hope it can begin the closure process for all those who were affected by that tragedy. Thank you.”
Arias was convicted almost two years ago for the 2008 murder of her lover Travis Alexander. His body was discovered in his shower by his friends. He had been stabbed dozens of times, had his throat slit and a single gunshot wound to the head.
Alexander’s family wept when Judge Stephens told the court that the jury could not come to a decision.