Lawyers plead for mercy for Arias as trial resumes

Lawyers plead for mercy for Arias as trial resumes

PHOENIX (AP) — An attorney for Jodi Arias has told the jury deciding her fate that his client should get a life sentence for killing her boyfriend five years ago.

Defense lawyer Kirk Nurmi listed several factors the jury could consider in granting mercy, including Arias’ age, lack of a criminal record before the killing, and even her talents as an artist.

He also says Arias herself will speak to the jury during the penalty phase of the trial.

Other witnesses will include Arias’ friends and an ex-boyfriend. Prosecutors will call family members of victim Travis Alexander.

Arias’ attorneys earlier asked to step down from the case, but a judge denied the request.