HLN just reported the ban on Jodi’s ability to do interviews has been lifted. They go on to say she has several interviews lined up for tonight. She will give 1& 1/2 hour interviews to the media she has granted from her list. Stay tuned.
Author Archives: edimminger
Jodi Speaks for Life
What follows is a summary of what Jodi said to the Jury today.
- The judge says Patty Womack had intended to testify about the environment JA grew up in (including abuse) but she is unable to testify.
- JA clears her throat. She has prepared a slide show to accompany her speech.
- JA talks about her Mom visiting her and after the visit stopping at a stoplight where the car stopped next to her was the Alexander family. Her Mom said: “I know they’re going through hell.” JA says nothing drove that home more than last week (the impact statements).
- The 3 by 5 card to call Steven –he never got that call ‘because of me.’ The last picture with Sam- no more pictures can be made with Travis ‘because of me.’ She avoided looking at them (but won’t go into the reasons). She wondered where the Grandma was and found out last week (she died). Mentions Travis called her last Thanksgiving saying Grandma was ‘ill and frail’ and he was worried ‘she wouldn’t make it.’ She may have inadvertently added to this. It ‘destroys me.’
- She waivered on suicide because of her family. She mentions her suicide letters to her family.
- She lists what she could do if she gets life:
-Donate hair. (Which she has already done a few times).
-Teach Spanish and Sign language.
-Start recycling program.
-Help with illiteracy, start a book club.
-Donate to Domestic Violence (she showed her ‘Survivor T-Shirt and claims 100% goes to charity). Mentions she knows some don’t consider her a survivor of DV.
7. She goes through her life with pictures starting with her as a baby- she was the first born. Carl & her were ‘inseparable.’ She was 11 when Angela was born. Shows family portrait- which they now take with a photo of her in it.
8. Picture of her with Patty. She gets in that Patty didn’t return today because her and her 9 year old daughter were threatened and harassed.
9. Shows picture of her & Bobby. The ‘best of times and the worst of times.’ No power, no support from parents buts figuring things out for themselves.
10. Her and Matt they remained friends. Her and Darryl- several pics with the 2 of them and with the son as well. Hasn’t seen the boy since June 2008.
11. Back to the family. Her sister and brother have children. She never will ‘because of my terrible choices.’
12. Shows her drawings.
13. She didn’t want to go through a trial and expose these ‘darker aspects’. She was obligated to answer questions asked on the stand. Says she ‘loved Travis’ and ‘looked up to him’…he ‘was my world.’
14. Before this she couldn’t ‘kill a spider.’ She didn’t know she was capable of such violence.
15. Her family is suffering. When the Guilty verdict was read her Mom said her Dad cried harder than ever before. ‘I caused that pain.’ She concedes Travis’ family has much greater pain.
16. Steven said he never wanted to see her face again- if she gets life in prison he won’t. She previously had asked for the D P. and found life in prison unappealing. Now she can’t ask for Death in good conscience because of her family. Either way she will spend her life in prison just shorter if DP.
17. She is asking that her life be spared for her family’s sake. ‘Please, please don’t do that to them.’ She wants their pain to stop. “Thank you.”
(After the judge reads the jury instructions- they are almost exactly what I recorded on an earlier day on this blog).
Arias Summary 5/20
The motion for a mistrial (because Patty was supposedly threatened) has been denied. Martinez pointed out that Patty refused to answer his questions regarding her and the defendant’s drug use. She then left for a few minutes with Nurmi and Wilmott (who are NOT her attorneys). When she returned she ‘took the 5th.’ This means she most likely wouldn’t have testified anyhow. She also apparently never claimed the income from pictures she sold to the Nancy Grace show.
Right after the judge denied the motion Nurmi stated he and Willmott wanted off the case…again. This was also denied. Then when the judge asked to call the witnesses Nurmi informed her they were not going to call ANY witnesses. The judge then asked if the defendant was ready to allocute and this resulted in the parties going back into chambers. We are now waiting.
The court adjourns for the day. Then the judge asks about telling the jury about Patty- apparently the defense wants a jury instruction regarding Ms. Womack. Martinez says it would not be proper as we don’t really know- it could be that the defendant had a ‘bad background.’ Nurmi mentions the jury will wonder why no witnesses as they said there would be two. The judge will indicate to the jury that Ms. Womack is ‘unavailable.’ Martinez asks to approach. Nurmi asks for a stay of these proceedings- it is denied. The jury is brought back in. Judge tells jury they cannot continue today and will resume tomorrow.
Back tomorrow at 9:30.
Defense Files For Mistrial
According to azcentral.com the defense attorneys filed another motion for mistrial on Sunday. They say the witness Patty Womack withdrew from testifying due to death threats. Kirk Nurmi wrote in the motion ‘After returning home Ms. Womack began receiving threats, threats that included threats on her life if she were to testify on Ms. Arias’ behalf. On May 19th, 2013, Ms. Womack contacted counsel for Ms. Arias that she is no longer willing to testify due to these threats. It should also be noted that theses threats follow those made to Alyce LaViolette, a record of which was made ex-parte and under seal.’
The article goes on to say whether a defense attorney presents mitigation evidence becomes an issue on appeal.
Patty Has Dropped Out
Looks like the rumors were correct. According to Jeff Gold, esq., ‘ABC reports Womack backs out of testifying in Jodi Arias – abcnews.go.com…’ I had a feeling this would happen, though I think when she showed up for court Thursday inappropriately dressed (short-shorts and a tank top) I heard they tried putting a sweater on her and the judge still wouldn’t let her testify.It was also reported she did not want her face to appear on camera, though she has been on HLN numerous times. There is more on Patty if you want to read my prior post: ‘Jodi Has A Friend?’ Looks like it’s up to Darryl. Then we get to see Jodi’s ‘art.’
Women’s Shelter Doesn’t Want Jodi’s Money!
From “The State vs. Jodi Arias” facebook site: (Credit to Laura Payne)
“Women Shelter of Long Beach does not have knowledge of the facts nor any opinion on the case before the courts which involves Jodi Arias. WSLB supports the process of the courts and we do believe the court will do it’s work. As we have no opinion on the case, we have asked the web site “JodiAriasIsInnocent.com” to remove our name from their website and believe they have done so. We had no prior knowledge of or involvement in the T-Shirt campaign on that website. WSLB is concerned for all victims of domestic abuse and our mission is to provide shelter, support services, and community education to help victims and work towards eliminating domestic violence in our communities. We would be pleased to accept donations that are given directly to our organization. Thanks for your support!”
Why Jodi Wants Death
For the longest time I thought that Jodi was asking for the Death Penalty to try to trick the Jury into giving her Life in Prison. You know- the old ‘reverse psychology’ trick. I thought- yeah, they hate her so much and she absolutely doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in a cage (you know she’s so young, doesn’t smoke and her family has a history of longevity- though her Dad has cancer…) oh, and let’s not forget poor granny in the wheelchair almost comatose during the trial (but a spry old fox when filmed leaving the jail after seeing Jodi- at one point she looks like she is talking on a cell phone and jumps over a curb. And doesn’t even look down. You know even when I was young if I had to jump a curb I looked down at it as I jumped. Please go to you tube and check this out!) But I digress…I have now changed my mind about the reverse psychology and here’s why:
She wants to ‘win.’ She has asked for Death, believes they are going to give her Death, but she asked for it so she wins! She will appear to be happy with the decision thus taking the victory away from the public. She got what she wanted! And as an added bonus she can continue to play the martyr. Because well, you know she is a ‘survivor’ of domestic abuse. I was abused/stalked and got a restraining order and went into hiding. There is NO WAY on this Earth that I would drive 1/100th of a mile to see my abuser, much less 1000 miles! NO FREAKING WAY!!!!!
Donovan Can’t Contact Jodi
From Monica Magnes:
“As confirmed by KPHO Channel 5 news, Phoenix, this evening, May 17th 2013, the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department has launched an investigation into convicted felon Donovan Bering’s association with convicted felon Jodi Arias. Donovan Bering is on Supervised Probation for a class 2 Felony Conviction, Arson of an Occupied Structure. She is forbidden from having contact with any convicted felon as stipulated in her Supervised Probation agreement.”
And another interesting tidbit:
From Ace Hunter who commented on the above:
“She is also not supposed to go to any bars but I just saw him/her on TV in a bar giving an interview and playing darts. So byebye Jodi’s twitter, website, art sale, t-shirt sale, fund raising crap.”
Another comment: (Lou Tracey-Walker):
“Somebody from another support group called the probation office and told on Donoman for tweeting and being in court every day. What I want to know is how could they NOT KNOW she was doing these things when this mega million dollar case is in their own backyard. OH and lady in a support group is getting threatening e-mails from Donoman she has them saved.”
And my favorite comment: (Denise Utter Pribe):
“She’s an arsonist and she should be behind bars too!! I almost feel sick when I look at her, PUKE!!!!”
This case has been disturbing in many, many ways. The savage way Travis’ life was taken is never far from my mind. One thing I didn’t expect was to see how many disturbed people are out here on the streets. Like a lot of JA’s associates/friends. I don’t know how long Donovan was behind bars but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t long enough. Really- to set fire to a building with people in it? Who were they? Were there children? How could ANYONE do such a thing?
Jodi Has A Friend?
You may recognize her from a prior day in court- you know, the day Patti gave Mr. Martinez the finger? Well this is the stellar witness for Jodi Arias. I cannot wait for Martinez to go after her. I can’t remember looking forward to anything so much. Yes, Martinez can and will cross Jodi’s friends. I believe this may be one reason the family will not speak for her. Can you imagine her Mom having to tell the prosecutor that she never hit Jodi and didn’t even own a wooden spoon? But I digress…more about Patti…
Before I drop the bombs I need to give credit where credit is due. Chris Stark is someone I really admire. She has done more research on this case and had more breaking news about it than anyone anywhere as far as I am concerned. So because I respect her so much I just can’t steal all her research- I just want to give you a taste so that you will go to twitter and follow her. I promise you will not be disappointed. Follow her at: @stark3923.
Here’s a taste of what you will find, all tweeted by Chris today:
“PotHead” Patti
1. @stark3923-Chris Stark (research)
pic.twitter.com/ftUzYJdLMG
“This is Patricia Womack aka PotHead Patti. Patti laughs in court, wears daisy duke shorts in court, gave the finger to the prosecutor in court and believed JA was innocent until JA admitted guilt.”
2. Patti’s arrest:
pic.twitter.com/mgmpz5iHAz
San Luis Obispo Superior Court-
Criminal/Traffic Case #Mooo335247WOMACKPATR
DUI – Alchohol/Drugs- the drug was heroin.
She purposely spelled her name wrong: Patrisha Fawn Womack (Court Docs for this trial her name is spelled ‘Patricia’)
3. Chris has links to :
-Patti giving Martinez the finger in open court.
-Patti with tattoos /bra strap sitting next to Sandy Arias- both laughing in court.
-Patti’s transcript with Nancy Grace- where she says ‘you know’ every sentence and sounds drugged.
-Her facebook with lots of pictures.
-“Who is Patty” (twitlonger) where Chris goes into the pot growing with Jodi and details about the strange wedding where Jodi took the photos.
-The reason why Patti is doing all these interviews- 4 nationally so far.
Another tidbit I got by following Chris is ‘Tracey’ commented the following:
Tracey-@tandthoppers- “Patty is the one who was arrested after her 1st interview w/Nancy (Grace). Pills and Child Endangerment.”
Funny how she had a real problem with being on the Court camera today since she has been on media and is all over the internet. When I started to research her I just typed ‘Patti Womack Jodi Arias’ into google and there she was!
Arias Trial 5/16- summary
- Judge reads the jury instructions. Decision must be based on evidence, not sympathy, passion, bias…The admonition (no talking about the case) is back in effect. Opening statements are not evidence. Witnesses cannot give opinion on sentence. Defendant is not required to speak. You will determine Life in prison or Death.
- The judge lists the mitigators the defense will present:
-She was 27 at the time.
-No prior criminal record.
-A good friend.
-Lacked family support.
-Was abused and neglected as a child and adult.
-Tried to make the best of life.
-Tried to improve herself.
-Is a talented artist.
3. You are not limited to these mitigators and you do not need to be unanimous. If the total of the mitigation is sufficiently substantial for leniency then it is a sentence of Life. If the aggravators are equal to the mitigators then you must choose Life. The defense has no burden and the state has no burden, you decide. Your decision is binding.
4. You can’t consider the financial cost of Life or Death.
5. Keep your mind open and discuss in the jury room. I will give final instructions before you deliberate.
Nurmi:
- Your verdict will determine whether JA will spend the rest of her life in prison or be sentenced to be executed. This is not a recommendation- the judge can’t disregard it. If Death the defendant will stand at the podium before you and be sentenced to be executed.
- The first phase had a presumption of innocence. The second phase the state had the burden. Now there’s no burden. Each one of you has to make your own moral assessment.
- Ms. Arias has to prove mitigating factors substantial for leniency to live her life in prison. This is not about the Jodi of 2006. You will hear more about before that so that you can understand whether her life should be terminated or not. And she will have the opportunity to talk to you in a different way.
- In the last paragraph of the instructions it says mitigators can be from any evidence in the trial. You decide what’s a mitigating factor. You do have to agree on the ultimate Life vs. Death, but you don’t have to all agree on the mitigators. One might consider her art, another her lack of a criminal history.
- This is not about an excuse. There are factors of character and history, lack of record and circumstances of the offense. Fairness and mercy come into play.
- Listed before you (exhibit) are 8 factors.
– Her age-27
– A good friend- you will hear from Derryl and Patty Womack.
– Lack of family support (Patty)
– Abuse and neglect as a child and adult
– 6, 7 & 8- Make the best of life, improve as an artist. She joined PPL and the Morman church to improve herself. Goals of motherhood, marriage and having a business. She’s a talented artist; you’ll see some of her artwork. One thing you will not see is she’s convicted of 1st degree murder.
- You filled out a questionnaire that said you could convict of 1st degree murder and consider a life penalty. Each of you are here because you said ‘Yes.’ That question is real because she’s right here. That’s what we expect you to do. You will understand Life is the appropriate penalty.
Martinez:
- The defense wants you to consider 8 aspects of her life. You can find other factors but the law says you cannot act as an investigator. Look at all the evidence, look at fairness and also look at Travis. You must decide by preponderance of the evidence.
- The 8 factors are flawed. Regarding mitigation there is a lack of connection to the murder. These factors are not of any importance.
- 27 years old- the fact she took a knife and stuck it into Mr. A.’s chest. Connection is something you may consider.
- No criminal history- what does that have to do with the murder?
- A good friend? To Whom?
- Family support- her Mother’s been here; that’s support. It has nothing to do with the killing.
- Abuse? Where’s the connection?
- Do the best in life? What does that have to do with the murder?
- Art? Again- what does that have to do with the murder?
- No criminal history- when she testified she was untruthful to you. Remember the gas cans? She took an oath…that is a crime.
- In 27 years she had 4 boyfriends and numerous jobs. Brewer will say she was a good caregiver to his child. She has lived a lot in those 27 years.
- A good friend? To this individual? When and how is this a mitigator?
- Lacked family support? How do we know this other than from her mouth? When speaking to you there were inconsistencies. Child abuse? She was on the stand for 18 days and there’s no evidence to support it- just her word.
- Make the best of life? Isn’t that what we all do?
- Artistic- paintings and photography. I guess she’s good at photos- she took those shower pictures like a ‘Calvin Klein’ ad and she can delete those images. This is nothing more than the defendant’s statement to gain sympathy.
- The only appropriate sentence based on jury instructions is Death. Thank You.
(Stephen and Samantha Alexander come up and give their statements. I actually stopped taking notes to watch this part, and you should too. Have Kleenex handy. Writing these emotional statements out doesn’t do them justice. I will put in a link for the video at the bottom of the page.)
Afternoon: Court cancelled until Monday at 10.
Link for Statements:


