JODI ARIAS’ defense attorneys have filed for a mistrial claiming a key witnesses withdrew at the last minute because of death threats.
Facing the death penalty for the “extremely cruel” murder of Travis Alexander, Jodi’s plan was to have her childhood friend Patricia Womack testify on her behalf during the sentencing phase of the trial, RadarOnline reported.
Womack was in the Maricopa County Courthouse on Friday prepared to testify, but counsel was behind closed door all day and she did not take the stand.
“However, after returning home Ms. Womack began receiving threats, threats that included threats on her life if she were to testify on Ms. Arias’ behalf,” Jodi’s attorney Kirk Nurmi wrote in the motion according to AZCentral.com.
“On May 19, 2013, Ms. Womack contacted counsel for Ms. Arias that she is no longer willing to testify due to these threats. It should also be noted that these threats follow those made to Alyce LaViolette, a record of which was made ex-parte and under seal.”
According to the filing, Jodi’s defense team is asking for a mistrial due to the circumstances.
