Jodi Arias Trial Update: Doctor Returns to the Stand
Lawyers spent another intense day in court for the Jodi Arias death penalty sentencing retrial as psychologist Dr. Janine DeMarte took the stand to assess Arias' mental health.
According Dr. DeMarte, Arias did not suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder when she killed her boyfriend nearly seven years ago. Instead, Dr. DeMarte diagnosed her with borderline personality disorder and frequently referred to Arias as a "stalker." Dr. DeMarte also described Arias as "jealous and manipulative," according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
"Dr. DeMarte painted quite a different picture, patiently describing Arias as an insanely jealous stalker who had borderline personality disorder, fixated on Travis [Alexander], and couldn't let go, spying on him, confronting other girls he dated, and prone to manic episodes of extreme happiness and despair.
Dr. DeMarte testified this eventually murderous behavior was not a result of post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by the way Travis treated Arias, and not a reaction to abuse at the hands of her family because there was no abuse."
The purpose of Dr. Demarte's testimony was to tear down the defense's argument that Arias was emotionally abused by Alexander. The defense is arguing that Arias' mental health was broken down by Alexander, who had used her for sex while emotionally abusing her.
Dr. DeMarte will be cross-examined by the defense as well. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for Arias.
Arias was found guilty of first-degree murder on May 8, 2013. During the first trial, the jurors did not reach a unanimous decision on her sentencing. The retrial will determine whether or not Arias will receive the death penalty, sentenced to life in prison, or life with a chance of release.
Alexander was killed on June 4, 2008. His body was found on June 9 in his Mesa, Arizona home by his friends. Alexander had sustained at least 27 stab wounds, a slit throw and a gunshot to the head.
