On March 14, 2013, an expert witness took the stand at the Jodi Arias murder trial and testified the accused is “essentially” a peace-loving individual, according to ABC 15.
Arias, 32, is charged with the brutal 2008 murder of her former lover, Arizona man Travis Alexander, 30. He was stabbed over two dozen times, was shot in the head, and his throat was slashed. She claims she killed him in self-defense, but during the trial Arias has testified she does not remember much about the confrontation the two had that eventually led to his death.
Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander Nude Photos Shown to Jury
Psychologist Richard Samuels told the jury, “A large percentage of individuals who are in such settings do not remember or have cloudy or foggy memories of what has transpired… We are more concerned with survival.”
View slideshow: Graphic Crime Scene Photos in Jodi Arias Case
Samuels also said he has met with Arias more than 12 times over the past few years and believes she suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Watch the Jodi Arias Trial Live Stream When in Session
He also explained that when people find themselves in very stressful situations, “the body prepares to fend off harm, to protect itself” by releasing certain hormones that serve to block memory, reports ABC.
View slideshow: Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, the Former Boyfriend She Admits Killing, Saying She Was Forced to Do So
Samuels further stated that after reading the numerous journals kept by Arias over the years, he has concluded she is “essentially a pacifist.”
The prosecution objected to Samuels’ testimony regarding memory retention and PTSD, but Judge Sherry Stephens allowed the psychologist to testify about these issues nevertheless.
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