Jodi Arias Trial Update: Travis Alexander's Family Testifies, Judge Bars Public From Watching First Witness

By Virnelli Mercader, Christian Post Contributor Monday, November 03, 2014

The judge in the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial has barred the public from watching the first witness called by the convicted murderer's legal team as she fights to be spared from the death penalty.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens and lawyers met behind closed doors about the start of Arias' case. They decided to keep the public out of the courtroom because a defense witness who appeared to be on edge wanted to testify in private.

"This was not an easy decision," said Stephens, who refused to reveal the identity of the witness. The public and reporters were then asked to leave and the trial continued.

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Thursday's trial began with statements from Travis Alexander's family members about the trauma that they have experienced since Alexander was murdered by Arias in 2008. He was shot and stabbed in the shower by Arias in what prosecutors describe as a jealous rage after he wanted to end their relationship and see other people. Arias claims that she did it in self-defense and that Alexander has abused her physically and emotionally on more than one occasion.

Alexander's brother and sister gave their emotional impactful statements to the jury that is deciding whether Arias should get the death penalty or a life sentence. Steven Alexander talked about having nightmares, ulcers, and constant trauma from losing his brother. He disclosed that he has started locking the door whenever he showers and that he suffers from nightmares wherein Arias slits his throat.

"When I lay down at night, all I can think about is my brother's murder," said Steven Alexander said as family members could be heard crying in the gallery.

According to Daily Mail, Tanisha Sorenson said that she and her family have been through a lot since her brother's death. She said that she has been through a "living hell" and revealed to the court that she can still see her brother's decomposing body that she saw in the pictures that were shown in court, especially the image of her brother's dead body slumped in the shower.