On Feb. 25, 2013, Jodi Arias returns to the stand at her murder trial to undergo further cross-examination in an Arizona courtroom by prosecutor Juan Martinez. His aggressive, “feisty” demeanor in the courtroom may place the prosecution’s case against the accused killer in jeopardy, according to HLN.
The report indicates that should Martinez, who has been tough and unrelenting regarding his questioning of Arias, be perceived as “unfair or inappropriate” by the jury, Arias may gain their sympathy.
View slideshow: Nude Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, Believed to Have been Taken the Same Day he was Murdered
At times Martinez cut Arias off when she has attempted to answer his questions and has almost resorted to yelling at her during cross-examination.
View slideshow: Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, the Former Boyfriend She Admits Killing, Saying She Was Forced to Do So
Former prosecutor Vinnie Politan, who hosts the HLN show “In Session,” said “…Juan Martinez is a bull in a China shop. We’ve seen him, he’s rough on every witness… I always pick my fights at the appropriate time… And there’s other times you kind of ingratiate yourself to the jury.”
View slideshow: Graphic Crime Scene Photos in Jodi Arias Case
According to the report, Politan added that although Martinez has shown aggression in the courtroom, he is a seasoned prosecutor who knows his community, so he likely knows “how far” he can go.
Prosecutors argue Arias, 32, killed her former lover, Travis Alexander, 30, in cold blood as he showered in his Mesa home in 2008. He was stabbed dozens of times, his throat was slashed, and he was shot in the head. Arias admits killing Alexander, but alleges she was forced to do so in self-defense.
If convicted of murder, Arias could face the death penalty.
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