Jodi Arias, who is accused of murdering her former lover, Travis Alexander, has been practicing her faith behind bars, according to a Feb. 15, 2013, 12 News report.
Alexander was murdered in 2008 as he showered in his Mesa, Ariz. home. He was stabbed dozens of times, shot in the head, and his throat was slashed. Arias admitted killing Alexander, her former lover, in self-defense.
View slideshow: Nude Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, Believed to Have been Taken the Same Day he was Murdered
She reportedly converted to Mormonism due to her relationship with the slain man.
A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints volunteer spoke with 12 News on the condition of anonymity, saying he has met with Arias in the Phoenix Estrella Jail to pray with her.
View slideshow: Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, the Former Boyfriend She Admits Killing, Saying She Was Forced to Do So
The man, 71, is described as being a “slender, soft-spoken Mormon” and said he has grown to feel compassion for Arias, according to report.
View slideshow: Graphic Crime Scene Photos in Jodi Arias Case
He also stated he is “hoping and praying” the jury acquits her of Alexander's murder.
Although the man said he has visited Arias at least 10 times, he told 12 News he has not done so since her trial began.
This week, Arias testified in her own defense, telling the jury on Monday that she once walked in on Alexander masturbating to photos of young boys. On Tuesday, the jury heard audio of graphic phone sex between Arias and Alexander, which appeared to embarrass Arias as she sat on the stand with her head in her hands while the explicit tape was played in the courtroom. Wednesday, the jury was read emails sent to Arias by Alexander, in which he called her a “slut,” a “whore,” and likened her to a “sex slave.”
View video: Jodi Arias Testifies on Feb. 11, 2013, Saying Travis Alexander Masturbated to Photos of Young Boys
Arias, 32, claimed the day of the murder she had been taking photos of Alexander, 30, in the shower, when she was hit on the back of the head. She said when she awoke Alexander was being killed by two masked intruders.
View video: Jodi Arias Testifies During her Murder Trial on Feb. 6, 2013
According to Arias' story, she was able to escape, but claimed she did not tell police about the incident because she was scared.
View video: Jodi Arias Testifies in Her Own Defense on Feb. 5, 2013
Later she admitted killing Alexander, but claims it was in self-defense.
View video: Jodi Arias Testifies at Her Murder Trial on Feb. 4, 2013
If she is convicted of first-degree murder, she could face the death penalty.
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