Teary testimony

Associated Press

PHOENIX

Jurors deciding the fate of convicted murderer Jodi Arias became visibly shaken by dramatic statements from the victim’s family members as they described how their lives were ripped apart by the killing.

Travis Alexander’s younger brother Steven told the panel he was hospitalized for ulcers, lost sleep and separated from his wife.

He paused to choke back tears and regain his composure as he recounted the phone call he got from his sister the day his brother’s body was found.

“She told me, ‘Steven, Travis is dead,”’ he said. “I thought I was dreaming.”

“The nature of my brother’s murder has had a major impact on me. It’s even invaded my dreams,” Steven Alexander told jurors, standing at a podium about 6 feet from the panel. “I’ve had nightmares about somebody coming after me with a knife, then going after my wife and my daughter.

“I don’t want these nightmares anymore,” he said. “I don’t want to see my brother’s murderer anymore.”

Jurors were sent home late Thursday after proceedings were inexplicably delayed. The trial is set to resume Monday, when Arias is expected to address jurors.

The same jury convicted Arias of first-degree murder last week after about 15 hours of deliberations. During the trial’s ongoing final penalty phase, the panel will decide whether to sentence Arias to life in prison or death for the 2008 murder of her one-time lover.

Arias cried periodically during the testimony and looked away from jurors.

In opening statements, prosecutor Juan Martinez said there are no mitigating factors that should cause the jury to even consider a sentence other than death. The judge had instructed jurors that they could take into account certain things that might help them make a decision, such as Arias’ lack of a prior criminal record and assertions that she was a good friend, had an abusive childhood and is a talented artist.

Martinez said none of that matters in regard to the brutal killing.

“The only appropriate sentence ... is death.”

Defense attorney Kirk Nurmi opened his part by explaining to jurors that their decision ultimately would be the final one.

“Your verdict, ladies and gentleman, will determine whether or not Jodi Arias spends the rest of her life in prison or if she is sentenced to be executed,” Nurmi said, telling jurors they each had to make their own “moral assessment on what verdict is correct.”

He then told the panel they would later hear directly from Arias.

“When you understand who Ms. Arias is, you will understand that life is the appropriate sentence,” Nurmi said.

Alexander’s sister, Samantha, later described for the panel how their grandmother, who raised the victim, saw her health fail after the killing and died around the time of jury selection.

“Travis was the glue in our family,” Samantha Alexander said.