AP PHOTOS: Verdict in Jodi Arias murder trial
May 9, 2013, 2:45 AM
PHOENIX (AP) – After four months, verdict day at the Jodi Arias trial brought a crowd to the courthouse to find out the jury’s decision. Dozens of people lined up daily to try to get a seat in the courtroom, and others stood or sat outside. After it was announced Wednesday that a verdict had been reached, the crowd grew larger. Some chanted “Justice for Travis.” As it drew closer to 1:30 p.m. and the verdict, people in the crowd urged others to “shhhh.” At 1:49 p.m., the verdict came _ guilty of first-degree murder. Some cheered and hugged, while others jumped and danced. People exchanged high-fives. The sounds of whistles and chants of “USA, USA, USA” filled the air. As for the crowds, Chris Hughes, a friend of victim Travis Alexander said, “Travis was grandiose so it’s interesting how this played out…it is a bit of a circus.” And the circus may not be over. Die-hard trial watchers may return to the courthouse when the jury reconvenes at 1 p.m. Thursday for the “aggravation phase.”
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