Jodi Arias Verdict: She Wants the Death Penalty, But That Would Be the Easy Way Out

On Wednesday Jodi Arias was found guilty of the 2008 murder of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander.

During her trial, she claimed the killing was a justifiable homicide committed in self-defense. The jury, however, decided to convict her of first degree murder. Arias now awaits to her sentence, potentially facing either life in prison or the death penalty.

An interesting twist has arisen in the case. When most defendants would be fighting for life in prison, Arias, 32, welcomes the death penalty, saying, “I believe death is the ultimate freedom, so I'd rather have my freedom as soon as I can get it."

Without a doubt, the jury and/or judge should make her live. Let her live every single day of the rest of her life, remembering what she did to another human being. Most people fear death. But for Arias, death would be the easy way out. To live the rest of her life in a jail cell would be a much tougher sentence for Arias, who claims that “longevity runs in her family.”

Maybe, with enough time, she might find a way to process her actions. Maybe seek forgiveness from the victim’s family. Maybe, even find peace. But if she is dead, then none of that will even have a chance to come to pass.

Politically, I am generally anti-death penalty, but in this case, I am especially anti-death penalty. I hope she lives every single day of the rest of her natural life.