APNewsBreak: Cost to Arizona taxpayers for Jodi Arias' defense tops $2 million, still climbing
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jodi Arias' legal bills have topped $2 million, a tab that's being paid by Arizona taxpayers and will continue to climb with a new penalty phase set for March.
Maricopa County spokeswoman Cari Gerchick tells The Associated Press the county has paid nearly $2.2 million for her court-appointed attorneys, expert witnesses and other costs associated with Arias' defense.
The 33-year-old was convicted of murder in May, but the jury couldn't reach a verdict on her sentence. Prosecutors are now pursuing a second penalty phase with a new jury in an effort to get the death penalty. Trial is set for March 17.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Arias admitted she killed her boyfriend in 2008 at his suburban Phoenix home but claimed it was self-defense. Prosecutors argued it was premeditated murder carried out in a jealous rage.