Defense set for closing arguments in Arias trial

Defense attorneys offer closing arguments in Arias murder trial after 4 months of testimony

Lenny and Christina Smith leave the Maricopa County Superior Court building, Thursday, May 2, 2013 in Phoenix after being denied a seat in the spectator gallery of the Jodi Arias murder trial. The Smith's flew from Gold Coast, Australia to Phoenix in an effort to see the trial. The prosecutor in Arias' murder trial presents closing arguments Thursday in a case that has captured headlines worldwide with lurid tales of sex, lies and a bloody killing. Arias faces a potential death sentence if convicted of first-degree murder in the June 2008 killing of her one-time boyfriend in his suburban Phoenix home. (AP Photo/Matt York)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Defendant Jodi Arias listens to prosecutor Juan Martinez makes his closing arguments during her trial at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix.

PHOENIX — Jodi Arias’ defense attorneys are set for closing arguments in a case that has captured headlines worldwide with tales of sex, lies and a bloody killing.

Arias faces a potential death sentence if convicted of first-degree murder in the June 2008 death of her lover in his suburban Phoenix home. Authorities say she planned the attack on Travis Alexander in a jealous rage after he wanted to end their affair. Arias initially denied involvement in the killing then later blamed it on masked intruders. Two years after her arrest, she said it was self-defense.

Testimony began in early January.

Prosecutor Juan Martinez presented closing arguments on Thursday and described Arias as a manipulative liar who meticulously planned the savage attack.