Jodi Arias Mistrial Declared, New Trial Begins in July (VIDEO)
Jodi Arias will remain in prison for now, until a new jury can decide her fate. Arias was granted a mistrial in the penalty phase of her trial, and a new jury will not be convened until July.
The 12 jurors who found Arias guilty of first-degree murder could not come to a unanimous decision about whether to put her to death or let her live behind bars for the rest of her life. The jury told Judge Sherry Stephens on Wednesday that they could not reach an agreement, but Stephens sent them back to deliberate. Then, yesterday, they again confirmed that they were hopelessly deadlocked.
Judge Stephens thanked the jurors for their five months of service, dismissed them, and declared an official mistrial in the penalty phase of Arias' trial. Her conviction of first-degree murder will remain in place, but a new jury will be convened to finally sentence Arias. This time, however, jurors will be asked whether they have any moral objection to sentencing someone to death.
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Arias will remain behind bars until the new trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 18. The prosecution and defense will be called upon to present evidence and arguments about the sentence Arias should receive.
"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," Maricopa Country Attorney Bill Montgomery said in a written. "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. Because, for purposes of a jury determination on punishment, this is still a pending matter, there will be no further comment."
Alexander's family wept aloud as the jury announced they had not come to a decision, and one juror mouthed the words "I'm so sorry" to them after the verdict was read. Arias, however, appeared somewhat upset but stone-faced during the announcement.
Watch the jury's announcement and reactions HERE:
