Jurors in the Jodi Arias murder trial Thursday will finally get their chance to question the defense expert who claims arias suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Judge Sherry Stephens announced Wednesday that the jurors have submitted dozens of questions they want put to psychologist Richard Samuels on their behalf. This process will begin when testimony resumes in the Arizona courtroom.
Arizona is one of three states that allow jurors to pose questions to witnesses after prosecution and defense lawyers have finished their questioning. Arias' defense attorney, Jennifer Willmott, wrapped up her redirect examination of Samuels Wednesday, giving the 12 jurors and six alternates -- seven women and 11 men –- their first opportunity to put questions to the defendant.
The defense and prosecution began reviewing the jurors' questions Wednesday afternoon. Judge Stephens was expected to begin asking Samuels the questions after the afternoon break, however the trial was recessed early when a spectator became ill and vomited in the gallery. There were no details about the person's illness.
The jurors' questions and Samuels' answers could prove to be a defining moment in the trial that will ultimately have a large impact on Arias' fate. Arias faces the death penalty if convicted.
Arias, 32, is accused of the June 4, 2008, slaying of Travis Alexander inside his Mesa, Ariz., apartment. The prosecution contends Arias stabbed Alexander 27 times, shot him twice in the face and slashed his throat in a jealous rage. Arias told jurors she killed Alexander in self-defense during an argument over a dropped camera that followed his escalating sexual demands.
The trial is scheduled to resume at about 1:30 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, when jurors' questions will be presented to Samuels.
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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