PHOENIX -- After hearing the prosecutor describe Jodi Arias as a "sophisticated liar" who "knew she was coming to kill," the jury will now consider the defense's closing argument -- that Arias was a frightened woman who acted in self-defense.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez gave a scathing closing argument Thursday, four months to the day he gave his opening statement to the jury.
Jodi Arias committed "a very orchestrated killing," and her only defense has been to attack the credibility of her victim, Martinez said during his closing argument on Thursday.
"She planned to come and kill Mr. Alexander ... that's what the evidence shows," Martinez told jurors of the 2008 slaying of 30-year-old Travis Alexander. "She premeditated the murder."
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In a packed courtroom, Martinez used images of Alexander's mutilated body to show the gruesome nature of the slaying. He said Arias, 32, attacked Alexander with a knife as he showered in his Mesa home.
The veteran prosecutor described in great detail how Alexander was stabbed multiple times, shot in the head and his throat was cut from ear to ear. Martinez said the defendant’s claims of self-defense "really is based on lies," and called her a "very sophisticated liar."
"The state is asking you to return a verdict of guilty -- a verdict of guilty as to first-degree murder,” Martinez said. “It's your duty, and the facts and the law support it."
Arias has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. She could face a possible death sentence if convicted of that charge.
There is a great unspoken fear among attorneys that a case is won or lost in the closing arguments. If there is any truth to the notion, the defense team certainly has their work cut out for them Friday. They'll need to pull the proverbial rabbit – a large one at that – outta their hat to save Jodi Arias.
The arguments are expected to last all day, and the jury deliberations could begin late Friday.
The trial is scheduled to resume at about 12:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Read below for minute-by-minute updates from court Friday:
The Huffington Post is live blogging Friday's testimony. Check back here for updates.
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