Arias foreman: Sentencing decision unfair to jury

Arias foreman: Sentencing decision unfair to jury

Arias foreman: Sentencing decision unfair to jury

PHOENIX (AP) — The jury foreman in Jodi Arias’ trial says the panel just couldn’t decide whether the killing of her boyfriend was enough to merit a death a sentence.

William Zervakos tells The Associated Press jurors struggled with what they called a flawed system, explaining Arias wasn’t “Jeffrey Dahmer or Charles Manson.” They thought it was unfair that 12 average Americans who aren’t lawyers had to make such a crucial decision.

The 69-year-old said Friday the entire panel believed the slaying was no doubt brutal. But he says they had to take into account Arias’ lack of a criminal history or any previous violent behavior.

The same jury on May 8 convicted Arias of murder in Travis Alexander’s death, but couldn’t reach a decision on whether she should live or die. A new penalty phase is set for July.