The defense needs to prove Travis Alexander abused Jodi Arias to save Arias from a murder conviction, and they'll try to hammer that point home Thursday, when a domestic violence expert retakes the witness stand.
In testimony Wednesday, Alyce LaViolette, a psychotherapist retained by Arias' defense team, cited two examples of physical abuse -– one that allegedly occurred in January 2008, when Alexander allegedly broke Arias' finger, and another in March 2008, when he allegedly hit her when she told him she was moving from Arizona to California.
The defense is hoping LaViolette's testimony will help dispute the contention of the prosecution that Alexander's slaying was premeditated.
The defense claims Arias cannot be guilty because she acted in self-defense and did not plan to shoot Alexander in the head, stab him almost 30 times and cut his throat from ear to ear in his Mesa, Ariz., home on June 4, 2008.
Arias, the defense claims, was physically and emotionally battered by Travis Alexander and feared for her life when she killed him.
For the prosecution, proving Arias' intent the day Alexander was killed is key to sustaining the first-degree murder charge brought by the state. Prosecutors say Arias, jealous of Alexander's interest in other women, attacked him in the bathroom of his home after the couple spent the afternoon in bed making love.
LaViolette is expected to continue offering her opinion Thursday on the downward spiral of Arias' and Alexander's relationship and, ultimately, what drove her to take his life.
The domestic violence expert is the final defense witness. When the defense finishes their direct examination she will be cross examined by prosecutor Juan Martinez before the state puts on its rebuttal case.
The defendant's fate is expected to be in the hands of the jury later this month. If convicted, Arias could face the death penalty.
The trial is set to resume at about 12:30 p.m. Eastern time with LaViolette on the witness stand.
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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