Domestic violence will take center stage at Jodi Arias' murder trial in Arizona Thursday, as the defense attempts to show Travis Alexander abused his estranged girlfriend in the months leading up to his brutal slaying.
Domestic violence expert Alyce LaViolette was expected to testify Wednesday, but court was canceled before it began. The judge gave no reason was given for the delay, but Arias' family members reportedly said the defendant was suffering from a severe migraine.
LaViolette took the stand in the afternoon Monday, after forensic psychologist Richard Samuels concluded his 6th day of testimony, answering questions about various forms of abuse in relationships.
Defense lawyers say Arias was physically and emotionally battered by Travis Alexander and feared for her life when she shot him, stabbed him nearly 30 times, and cut his throat from ear to ear in his Mesa, Ariz., home on June 4, 2008.
During her 18 days on the stand, Arias told jurors she killed Alexander in self-defense after he attacked her for dropping his camera. Prosecutors say the murder was premeditated and fueled by jealously.
The trial is set to resume at about 12:30 p.m. Eastern time, when LaViolette is expected to resume her testimony.
Read below for minute-by-minute updates from court Thursday:
The Huffington Post is live blogging Thursday's testimony. Check back here for updates.
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