Ariz. woman claims self-defense in 2008 killing

Topics: From the Wires,

PHOENIX (AP) — A defense attorney says an Arizona woman charged with stabbing and shooting her boyfriend to death in 2008 acted in self-defense because he was violent and abusive.

Jodi Arias is standing trial in Phoenix and could become the fourth female inmate on Arizona’s death row if convicted.

Opening arguments began Wednesday in a trial expected to last until April.

The 32-year-old Arias is accused of killing Travis Alexander in his Mesa home in June 2008.

Prosecutors allege Arias shot the 30-year-old Alexander in the face, stabbed him 27 times and slit his throat in a shower.

They say Alexander told friends that Arias had become too possessive, so he broke up with her. But phone and email records reportedly indicate the two continued to carry on a sexual relationship.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com

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