Jodi Arias Sentencing Phase: Mistrial With Hung Jury!
May 23 2013, Published 7:34 p.m. ET
The jury could not come to a unanimous verdict in the Jodi Arias sentencing phase for the brutal murder of her ex-lover Travis Alexander, and announced on Thursday afternoon their inability to come to an agreement, resulting in a mistrial.
The mistrial means that while Arias' first-degree murder conviction will stand, the state could decide to bring in a new jury and re-try the penalty phase. If the state chooses to go in that direction, the new proceedings will start July 18.
Arias appeared emotional as the verdict was read and the jurors were also emotional, some of them crying. One even mouthed the words, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" to Alexander's family who was anxiously awaiting closure in the courtroom.
Alexander's family could not hold back their disappointment and devastation, sobbing in the Arizona courthouse.
"We appreciate the jury's work in the guilt and aggravation phases of the trial and now we will assess, based upon available information, what the next steps will be. As of this point in time, the court has set a status conference for June 20 and we will proceed with the intent to retry the penalty phase," Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said in a written statement.