A jury has finally reached a decision on Wednesday in the Jodi Arias trial. After a lengthy trial that has riveted the nation, jurors are finally ready to rule on whether Arias was acting in self defense in the death of her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander five years ago.
Arias has maintained throughout the trial that she acted in self-defense in the slaying of Alexander, but the grisly crime scene - Alexander was stabbed multiple times, shot and nearly decapitated - has had brought doubts to many, according to CNN.
After hearing closing arguments on May 3, the jury took 15 hours and five minutes to decide the fate of Arias, CNN reports.
The defense has always admitted that Arias was responsible for the death of Alexander, instead they tried to prove that she was forced into committing the act of violence.
"Jodi Arias killed Travis Alexander. There is no question about it," defense attorney Jennifer Wilmott said. "The million-dollar question is what would have forced her to do it?"
If Arias is convicted of first degree murder she will be facing the potential of execution.
Premeditation needs to be proven in order for a guilty charge on first degree murder. If premeditation cannot be proven the jury can still find Arias guilty of second degree murder, with a penalty of 10-22 years in prison.
Watch the jury's decision here.
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