For several months NY (aka David) and I have been following the Jodi Arias trial taking place in Phoenix, Arizona. She’s been on trial since January for killing Travis Alexander. NY has always been a trial watcher. He loves current events, politics and the rule of law. I’ve never watched anything that has to do with trials, unless NBC’s Law and Order counts. But this trial was different. Six degrees of separation different. Several of NY’s nieces and nephews knew Travis personally. They went to school with him and attended church with him. Our niece’s husband was room mates with Travis at one time. Some of the witnesses called upon to testify had connections to Brian and Britt as they were growing up. And the trial has shined a glaring light on our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). If you’ve been following the trial you may have heard some misconceptions and mischaracterizations of the Church. Please visit Mormon.org. Please read about the Church from those that know their religious beliefs and those that try their best to live up to those beliefs.
Today the jury reached a verdict. Guilty. Guilty of first degree murder. And unless you believe that most everything Jodi testified to was all just completely coincidental, I think you may agree with me that Jodi Arias is guilty. Guilty of premeditated murder. I’m glad I wasn’t sitting on the jury that had to make such a decision. While I think I could send someone to prison for life without parole if the case warranted it, I don’t think I could send someone to death row. Tomorrow the penalty phase of the trial begins. I’ll be glad when it’s over and Travis’ family can start trying to live more normal lives.
Two things came to my mind today. First: While the media and public gathered outside the courthouse in Arizona, desiring a just verdict, I thought of Travis. Regardless of his savage death and the humiliating trial, I think he may be a little sad. I think the sadness might be about the distress his family and friends have suffered over the years. (He was murdered in June of 2007.) And I think he might be sad that the trial has become such a spectacle. I don’t think he wants revenge. He’s beyond all that. He knows so much more than we do when it comes to the ‘big plan’ of life and life after death. He’s with his parents and his grandmother who raised him. And I think he’s glad the trial is almost over. While I know there’s never really closure with the death of a loved one, especially one so young, I’m optimistic his family may find some element of relief. An element of closure.
(Britt and Briana – Homecoming October 1995)
The second thing on my mind is how glad I am that Britt was alone in her car when she died. Neither her brother Brian or her boyfriend were driving at the time. Nor was her brother Todd with her. No one else died and no one else was injured. She didn’t just vanish from us, leaving us wondering what happened, or that she might be alive somewhere. There wasn’t a trial because she did not die at the hands of another. Heavenly Father called her home instantly. I believe it had to be quick. She was a fighter. She had fought death more than once before. It was her time. I wish it hadn’t been her time. I wish she was with us and that her children were playing with Brian & Mindi’s children. But she’s with our Father in Heaven. She’s with her older brother that preceded her in death. That’s the way it is. If it had to happen, I’m glad for the way it did and I’m resigned to the way it is.
Colleen Wilburn says
Very nicely said, love you,Colleen aka Nutzo
Irene says
Your insights are a treasure. My heart is with you.
Chris Bostwick says
Beautifully said.
Briana Johnson says
Cathi I have tears streaming down my face! This image of Britt and I is forever engrained in my mind. I has this photo framed and my kids and I have talked about Britt. They ask to visit her grave when I go see Daddy’s. I am so grateful for the life that she led, always full of joy and spunk!. I am so grateful for the relationship we have, it brings me great happiness in my life and the life of my children.
Love you!!
Debra @ A Frugal Friend says
Oh sweet Cathi…….thanks for sharing your heart!