Family of man killed by Jodi Arias say their life has been 'living hell' since his death

Jodi Arias looks on during the sentencing phase retrial of Jodi Arias at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014. Arias was found guilty of first degree murder in the death of former boyfriend Travis Alexander, but the jury hung on the penalty phase, life in prison or the death sentence. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic,David Wallace, Pool)

PHOENIX (AP) – Family members of the man killed by Jodi Arias testified Thursday that their life has been a nightmare since his death.

Tanisha Sorenson, Travis Alexander's younger sister, said her life had been a "living hell." She said his autopsy photos are even easy to find online.

"Now the autopsy photos of my brother's decomposing body and mummified face are the images I can't get out of my head," she said, according to the Arizona Republic.

It was a dramatic day of testimony Thursday from the victim's family members about the emotional and physical trauma they have suffered since Alexander was murdered by Arias in 2008.

Steven Alexander described nightmares, ulcers and constant trauma from losing his older brother, including locking the doors when he showers.

"When I lay down at night, all I can think about is my brother's murder," Steven Alexander said as family members could be heard crying in the gallery.

The judge took the highly unusual step of barring the public from watching the first witness called by the convicted murderer's legal team as she fights to be spared the death penalty.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sherry Stephens and lawyers then met behind closed doors about the start of Arias' case. They made a decision to keep the public out of the courtroom because a skittish defense witness wanted to testify in private.

An attorney for the Arizona Republic objected, but the judge closed the courtroom anyway.

"This was not an easy decision," said Stephens, who declined to reveal the witness' identity.

The public and reporters were then asked to leave and the trial continued behind closed doors.

The judge said her decision to close the courtroom and seal the witness' testimony until the sentencing trial's conclusion is necessary for "the administration of justice." Stephens allowed the family of victim Travis Alexander to remain in the courtroom.

Chris Moeser, an attorney for the Arizona Republic, argued that the First Amendment allows reporters to attend the hearing and demanded a transcript of the testimony and to identify the witness. The judge refused. Media lawyers are considering additional legal action in response to the judge's actions.

Arias was convicted of murder last year in Alexander's death, but jurors deadlocked on whether she should be sentenced to life in prison or death. A new jury has been picked to decide her sentence.

The case has been marked by secrecy ever since the conclusion of the first trial, which turned in to a media circus as salacious and violent details about Arias and Alexander were broadcast live for people around the world.

Since then, the judge has held one secret hearing after another and barred the broadcast of footage from the sentencing retrial until after a verdict is reached. Arias' lawyers had argued that daily broadcasts of the trial would lead to defense witnesses backing out for fear of being harassed or threatened.

In addition, prosecutors have refused to provide details about what it has cost to twice put Arias on trial, saying the judge forbids them from discussing the case outside court. County officials, however, have reported that Arias' defense bill has topped $2.5 million, all being paid for by taxpayers.

Prosecutors said Arias attacked Alexander in a jealous rage after he wanted to end their affair and planned a trip to Mexico with another woman. Arias has acknowledged killing Alexander but claimed it was self-defense after he attacked her.