Finally - The Jodi Arias Circus is Over as she gets LWOP.

Jodi Arias was sentenced in her Prison 'Stripes'

It has been seven long years for the family and loved ones of Travis Alexander, the young man whose life was taken by Jodi Arias in 2008. After initially denying any involvement in the murder, Arias was arrested for the crime. Her 2013 trial saw her story change again, yes she HAD killed Travis Alexander but it was an act done in self defence. The trial quickly turned into a media circus as it was screened live to the nation. Details of a horrific murder scene, tawdry details of secret sex sessions and accusations of domestic violence all made the Arias trial a headline stealer. Arias spent 18 long days on the stand, detailing how Travis' sexual deviancy and violent streak led to a final attack on June 4th 2008 that led to her fighting for her life. While allegedly defending herself, Arias shot Travis Alexander, stabbed him 30 times and then slit his throat. Spectators travelled to Phoenix from all over the country to witness what had become a real life soap opera. Thankfully, after a trial spanning four months, the jury found her guilty of murder, they also decided her crime was especially cruel However, the jury were to deadlock on whether Arias deserved to die for her crime. 

Fast forward to October 2014 and the retrial of the punishment phase began with a brand new jury. As with the original trial, it quickly descended into tales of tawdry sexual antics and accusations that Travis Alexander was a paedophile with an interest in little boys. While Arias would question his sexuality in one breath, she openly admitted to having a sexual relationship with him herself. Even after this supposed evidence of paedophilia came to light. What was meant to be a short retrial, quickly dragged on into a four month repeat of the trial circus. Poor Travis Alexander and his reputation were dragged through the mud by Arias' defence team and supporters. It soon became clear that, as the jury deliberated, there was a good chance there would be a second deadlocked jury. And so there was, one lone juror could not commit Arias to death. This immediately took the death penalty off the table and left Judge Sherry Stephens with the decision whether Arias would serve life with no parole or life with a chance of parole after 25 years.

And so on April 13th 2015, Judge Sherry Stephens sentenced Arias to life without parole. She also added that Arias' crime was especially cruel and required much in the way of planning and preparation. Therefore confirming her belief that Arias did not kill Travis Alexander in self defence but in cold blood. I cannot begin to imagine what hell the Alexander family have had to endure these past seven years. To lose a brother in such a horrifically senseless way is bad enough but to then listen to his murderer drag his good name and honour through the mud is just cruel beyond belief. 

I wanted Arias to get the death penalty, however, since hearing the verdict I have decided maybe she has received the best punishment. Had she been put on death row she would have been entitled to countless appeals not afforded to the average convict. Being on death row would have allowed her Poor Me act to continue, given her supporters and anti-death penalty activists a cause, something to fight for. It would of kept her in the papers, in the news, in people's minds. This way, Jodi Arias will, eventually, disappear into the cracks of Perryville and Travis Alexander will be remembered for being a loving caring individual who was devoted to his family, friends and religion. May his family find their peace now and may their brother be remembered as a shining light and not the victim of a manipulative, lying, jealous murderer. 

Watch Judge Sherry Stephens sentence Arias to LWOP.