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Murder of Travis Alexander

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Murder of Travis Alexander
DateJune 4, 2008
LocationMesa, Arizona
SuspectsTravis Alexander's ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias
Put on trial for murder January 2, 2013

The killing of Travis Alexander occurred on June 4, 2008, at his home in Mesa, Arizona. His wounds consisted of various stab wounds, a slit throat, and a shot to the head; the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Jodi Arias, Alexander's ex-girlfriend, was charged with his murder, and her trial began on January 2, 2013. Arias testified that she killed Alexander in self-defense. The case has received widespread media attention.[1][2][3][4]

Background

Travis Victor Alexander was born on July 28, 1977,[5] in Riverside, California. After his father's death, Alexander and his siblings were taken in by their paternal grandmother, Norma Jean Preston Alexander Sarvey (1932–2012), who eventually introduced them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[6]

Alexander was a salesman for the network marketing company Prepaid Legal Services; he also worked as a motivational speaker.

Jodi Ann Arias was born on July 9, 1980, in Salinas, California. She and Alexander met in September 2006 at a Prepaid Legal Services conference, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. On November 26, 2006, Arias was baptized into the Latter-day Saint faith by Alexander.[7] As of February 2, 2007, Alexander and Arias were a couple.[5][7] After the two broke up on June 29, 2007, Arias moved to Mesa, Arizona,[8] until April 2008, at which time she moved to her grandparents' house in Yreka, California.[9]

Death

Alexander's friends discovered his body in a shower at his home. His throat had been cut, he had been shot in the head, and he had been stabbed multiple times.[10][11] There have been conflicting reports over the number of stab wounds, with some reports stating 29[12] and others stating 27.[13][14] [11][10] Maricopa County Medical Examiner, Dr. Kevin Horn, testified that Alexander's jugular vein, common carotid artery, and windpipe had been slashed. Alexander's hands also had defensive wounds. Dr. Horn further testified that Alexander "may have" been deceased at the time the gunshot was inflicted.[15][16] Alexander's death was ruled a homicide. Peanutes

Discovery and investigation

Alexander had scheduled a trip to Cancun, Mexico, with people from Prepaid Legal Services. He had also missed an important conference call on the night of June 4, 2008, at 7 pm. On June 9, having been unable to reach Alexander, people from Prepaid Legal Services went to his home to check on him. His roommates said he was out of town. After some searching, they found a key to Alexander's master bedroom. When they entered it, they noticed large pools of blood in the hallway leading to the master bathroom, where his body was discovered in the shower.[17] The 9-1-1 call they made notifying authorities of the discovery mentioned an ex-girlfriend, Arias, who Alexander had told friends was stalking him, hacking into his Facebook account, and slashing tires.[18][19]

On May 28, 2008, a burglary occurred at the residence of Arias' grandparents, with whom she was living in Yreka, California. A .25-caliber gun and other objects were taken.[20] The grandparents' gun was never recovered. The prosecutor argued that the burglary was staged by Arias and the stolen gun was used to shoot Alexander.[21]

Several days before the trip, Arias repeatedly contacted her ex-boyfriend, Darryl Brewer, asking to borrow two 5-gallon gas cans for a trip to Arizona. The cans were not returned to Brewer. Receipts presented at trial also showed that Arias had purchased a third 5-gallon gas can, sunblock, and facial cleanser from Walmart in Salinas, California, on June 3, 2008.[22] That evening, at an ARCO gas station in Pasadena, California, she purchased 8.301 gallons of gasoline with her debit MasterCard, and four minutes later purchased 9.59 gallons of gas with cash.[23] The MasterCard was used again on June 6, 2008, three times at a Tesoro gas station in Salt Lake City,[22] at a Pilot Flying J travel center in Winnemucca, Nevada[24] and a 7-Eleven in Sparks, Nevada.[24]

After Alexander's death but before his body was discovered, Arias had continued to call him and had left him several voicemail messages. It was later alleged that she had accessed Alexander's voicemail messages after his death.[25] She said that Alexander had originally planned to visit her in May 2008 but that his plans had changed. On June 2, 2008, Arias rented a white Ford Focus in Redding, California,[26] about 100 miles south of her residence. She told the Budget Rent a Car staff that she would only be driving the car locally, but when the car was returned on June 7, it had been driven about 2,800 miles.[26] It was also missing all of its floor mats, and there were what looked like Kool-Aid stains on the front and rear seats.[26] The car was cleaned before police were able to examine it.[27]

A spent .25 caliber round was located near one of the sinks in the master bath. Alexander's damaged digital camera was located in the downstairs washing machine. The camera was new. Detective Flores, via phone interview with Arias, asked her if she knew a possible motive for why someone would want to damage Alexander's camera. Although images had been deleted, Mesa Police were able to recover the images. The recovered images included Arias and Alexander, both in sexually suggestive poses, at approximately 1:40 pm on June 4, 2008. The last photo of Alexander alive, and in the shower, was taken at 5:29:20 pm on June 4. Moments later, images appear of an individual, believed to be Alexander, "profusely bleeding" on the floor.[28][29]

A bloody palm print was located in the bathroom hallway, which DNA revealed to be a mixture of Arias' and Alexander's DNA. Arias continued to insist that she had last seen Alexander in April 2008 despite being presented with DNA and photographic evidence by Detective Esteban Flores.[28][30]

Ryan Burns and others who met Arias in Utah after the killing indicated she had bandages on her hands and she wore long sleeves on days when it was very hot. She told different stories about how she received the cuts to her hands. Burns was told they were from an injury while working at Margaritaville. At trial, it was revealed by Siskiyou County, California authorities that no such restaurant exists, nor ever existed in the area. At the time of the killing, she worked at Casa Ramos in Yreka.[31]

On June 5, 2008, West Jordan, Utah, Police Officer Michael Galieti pulled Arias over while she was in the rented vehicle driving to a meeting with Burns. The front license plate of the car was missing and the rear plate was upside down. Arias attributed this to some kids at a Starbucks playing a trick on her. Burns helped Arias fix the license plate, and Galieti did not cite her for the infraction.[32]

Arias was indicted by a grand jury on a first-degree murder charge on July 9, 2008,[33] and arrested at her grandparents' home on July 15, 2008.[34] She was extradited to Arizona on September 5, 2008, where she pled not guilty on September 11, 2008.[35]

Arias gave three different accounts of her whereabouts.[36] She originally told police that she had not been in the home at the time of Alexander's death. She later told police that two intruders had broken into Alexander's home and that they murdered him and attacked her. Finally, she stated that she killed Alexander in self-defense and she was a victim of domestic violence.[37][38][11][10]

Trial

The trial against Arias began on January 2, 2013, in Maricopa County Superior Court before Judge Sherry K. Stephens.[38][11] Prosecutors sought the death penalty.[39]

Arias was represented by appointed counsel L. Kirk Nurmi and Jennifer Willmott. Her counsel argued that Alexander's death was a justifiable homicide committed in self-defense. The defense asserted that Alexander became enraged and attacked Arias after she dropped the camera.[40]

Arias took the stand on February 4, 2013.[41] When asked about her quote given to Inside Edition that she would not be convicted, she testified, "At the time, I had plans to commit suicide. So I was extremely confident that no jury would convict me because I didn’t expect any of you to be here, I planned to be dead."[41]

On February 6, Arias testified that she killed Alexander in self-defense and recounted an intimate encounter with Alexander that started with kissing and ended in anal sex, describing the anal sex as painful and adding, "It was not something I expected to happen, and I can't say I wanted it to, but I didn't stop him."[42]

As of March 29, 2013, 1.4 million dollars had been spent on providing public defenders for Arias.[43]

On April 3, a member of the jury in the trial only identified as a woman and as "Juror 5" was dismissed for "misconduct".[4] The defense team asked for a mistrial, which the judge denied.[4] On April 12, "Juror 11" was excused for health reasons, leaving the jury with 11 men and six women.[44]

Media

The case has been compared by the HLN staff and their commentators to the Casey Anthony case for the perceived similarities between Anthony and Arias and for the emotions that the cases have incited in the general public.[2][3] The Huffington Post reported that Arias "instantly commanded headlines around the world, especially after details [about the case] became public".[1] HLN is also airing a daily show covering the trial called HLN After Dark: The Jodi Arias Trial.[45]

In late January 2013, artwork purportedly drawn by Arias began selling on eBay. It was later revealed that the seller was Arias' brother, and the items were being sold to cover the family's travel expenses to Arizona and to purchase Arias better quality food while in jail.[46]

ABC News conducted a jailhouse interview with Arias in which she said, "I didn’t hurt Travis. I would never hurt Travis.... I would be shaking in my boots right now if I had to answer to God for such a heinous crime."[47] The case was also featured on an episode of 48 Hours Mystery: Picture Perfect in 2008.[5]

Inside Edition also interviewed Arias at the Maricopa County Jail where she stated, "No jury is going to convict me ... because I am innocent and you can mark my words on that. No jury is going to convict me."[48] It was during this interview that she offered up her second version of events by describing how two unknown individuals attacked her and Alexander. She was "miraculously" spared after the assailants' gun misfired, giving her time to flee the home, but she did not make any attempts to get help for the wounded Alexander.[47]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Lohr, David (December 29, 2011). "Jodi Arias Case: Twists And Delays In Alleged Femme Fatale's Murder Trial". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 3, 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b HLNtv.com Staff (October 15, 2012). "Jodi Arias next Casey Anthony?". HLN. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Dr. Drew staff (January 3, 2013). "Anthony and Arias: Common characteristics?". HLN. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c Associated Press. "Jodi Arias Juror Dismissed for Talking About Trial". ABC News. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
  5. ^ a b c 48 Hours: Picture Perfect
  6. ^ "Norma Jean Sarvey Obituary". Legacy.com. 18 December 2012.
  7. ^ a b David Lohr (31 December 2012). "Jodi Arias Timeline: Key Dates In Case Of California Woman Accused Of Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend 27 Times (UPDATED)". Huffington Post.
  8. ^ Winch, Graham (2013-01-02). "Jodi Arias & Travis Alexander: Killer romance?". HLNtv.com. Retrieved 2013-04-07.
  9. ^ Lohr, David, Jodi Arias Case: Twists And Delays In Alleged Femme Fatale's Murder Trial, December 29, 2011, Huffington Post, accessed April 8, 2013
  10. ^ a b c Owens, Ryan (January 3, 2013). "Jodi Arias Trial: Jurors Shown Photos of Victim's Dead Body in Shower". ABC News. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  11. ^ a b c d Glynn, Casey (January 2, 2013). "Jodi Arias trial begins in macabre '08 murder of boyfriend Travis Alexander". CBS News. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
  12. ^ Roman, Anita (Jan 08, 2013). "Arias trial: Investigators describe bloody crime scene". Fox News. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Steve Stout (Apr 24, 2013). "Prosecution continues rebuttal in Arias murder trial". CBS 5 - KPHO. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  14. ^ YAN OWENS (April 23, 2013). "Jodi Arias Defense Team Files Motion for More Expert Witness Testimony". ABC News. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  15. ^ Cindy Adams (8 January 2013). "Jodi Arias murder trial reveals Travis Alexander fought off brutal attacker". Examiner.
  16. ^ Lydia Warren & Louise Boyle (14 January 2013). "Jodi Arias sobs as court sees sexually explicit photos of her with ex-boyfriend hours before he was stabbed and shot to death". UK Mail.
  17. ^ "Recap: Week 1 of Jodi Arias trial". Hlntv4u.com. 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  18. ^ 911 call about Travis Alexander Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  19. ^ "Jodi Arias Mistrial Motion Highlighted Stalker Claims". Abcnews.go.com. 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  20. ^ Winch, Graham (2013-01-17). "Jodi Arias on tape: I have never owned a gun". Hlntv.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  21. ^ "Jodi Arias Trial: Prosecution Rests as Evidence Mounts". People Magazine. January 18, 2013. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  22. ^ a b Prosecutor Juan Martinez's "Perry Mason" Moment - Busts Jodi Arias For Lying About Gas Cans Retrieved March 14, 2013
  23. ^ "Jodi Arias Trial — Day 24 - Part 3". Youtube. February 27, 2013. 23:48 to 27:20. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  24. ^ a b Jodi Arias Trial Day 5 (Full) at 45:45
  25. ^ "Call Me? Jodi Arias Bombarded Travis Alexander's Cell Phone After She Allegedly Butchered Him". Radar Online. 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  26. ^ a b c Jodi Arias Trial - Day 8 - Part 1
  27. ^ "Jodi Arias' Rental Car Had Red Stains on Seats — Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  28. ^ a b "Police recover nude photos of murdered man, suspectl". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  29. ^ Winch, Graham (2013-01-17). "Photos: Travis Alexander's last moments alive". Hlntv.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  30. ^ "Jodi Arias Trial Update: Prosecution shows Arias, woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend, made up stories to cover her tracksl". Cbsnews.com. 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  31. ^ "Jodi Arias Trial Update: Prosecution presents testimony to prove Arias, who killed ex-boyfriend, is a pathological liar". Cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  32. ^ "Jodi Arias Trial: Who's Who In The Case Of Travis Alexander's Murder (PHOTOS)". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  33. ^ "Calif. woman extradited in killing of ex-boyfriend in Mesa". Associated Press. August 15, 2009.
  34. ^ Graham Winch & Katherine Brennecke (2 January 2013). "Jodi Arias: Cold-blooded killer or innocent victim?". HLNTV.
  35. ^ "Jodi Arias Timeline: Key Dates In Case Of California Woman Accused Of Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend 27 Times (UPDATED)". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  36. ^ COLLEEN CURRY (Jan 16, 2013). "Jodi Arias' Rental Car Had Red Stains on Seats". Yahoo!. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  37. ^ Lohr, David (December 31, 2012). "Jodi Arias Timeline: Key Dates In Case Of California Woman Accused Of Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend 27 Times". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 2, 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  38. ^ a b Lohr, David (January 2, 2013). "Travis Alexander Murder: Trial Of Jodi Arias Opens". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 3, 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ "Jodi Arias Murder Trial: Woman Facing Death Penalty Over Boyfriend's Murder". Abcnews.go.com. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  40. ^ "Jodi Arias Testimony: Murder Suspect Says She Lied, Had Plans To Commit Suicide Before Trial". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  41. ^ a b Associated Press. "A soft-spoken Jodi Arias, who is charged with her Arizona boyfriend's murder, testifies in her own defense, admitting she lied to investigators". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  42. ^ Curry, Colleen (February 6, 2013). "Jodi Arias Said Travis Alexander Had 'Bill Clinton' View of Sex". ABC News. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  43. ^ Associated Press. "Jodi Arias Defense in Murder Trial Has Cost Taxpayers $1.4 Million". ABC News. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  44. ^ "Another juror released from Jodi Arias murder trial".
  45. ^ "Get caught up: Week 13 of Jodi Arias trial". HLNtv.com. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  46. ^ "Arias has side job in jail: making and selling art". Myfoxphoenix.com. 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  47. ^ a b Posted on Jan 3, 2013 @ 7:00AM (2013-01-03). "Jodi Arias: See The Murder Suspect's Sexy Photos As She Faces Death Penalty". Radar Online. Retrieved 2013-02-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ Winch, Graham (2013-01-02). "Jodi Arias: Cold-blooded killer or innocent victim?". HLNtv.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Travis_Alexander&oldid=552119250"