Says she killed boyfriend in self-defense
PHOENIX - A woman charged in the 2008 stabbing and shooting death of her lover in Arizona has resumed testimony in her murder trial.
Jodi Arias has spent nearly seven days describing in precise details the events of her life that led her to Travis Alexander's house in June 2008.
During previous days, Arias has talked about her own troubled life, including an abusive childhood and dead-end jobs, and has worked to portray Alexander as a liar and womanizer. Experts say defense lawyers are trying to build sympathy with jurors.
Tuesday marked the first day that she mentioned the day of the killing.
Arias said she drove from California to Mesa to meet Alexander -- and testified she had no gun or knife in her possession. Her grandparents had reported that a .25-caliber handgun was missing, but Arias told her defense lawyer she had nothing to do with it. Alexander was shot with the same caliber weapon.
Jodi Arias faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Travis Alexander in his suburban Phoenix home.
The 32-year-old Arias claims Alexander battered her into submission, and finally, forced her to fight for her life in self-defense. Prosecutors say she killed him in a premeditated jealous rage.
