MY CRIMETIME BY MY FORTE. A DISCUSSION OF MURDERS IN THE NEWS.
Who Was Travis Alexander? The Jodi Arias Murder Trial
Much has been said about 32 year old Jodi Arias, who is standing trial for the June 2008 murder of 30 year old Travis Alexander in a Phoenix, AZ courtroom. We are learning more about the actions and reactions of Arias in the months, weeks and days leading up to this murder. We've seen clips of her "Inside Edition" interviews, taken while she was being held at the Estrella jail in Maricopa County, we are hearing bits and pieces of stories about the relationship between the victim and defendant from friends and family. Much has been made about Arias's looks and "charm" - and the lies she has told law enforcement, family and friends. Spending a few hours online this morning, I'm learning more about who Travis Alexander was.
Aside from Arias's defense attorney Jennifer Willmott, I've yet to find or hear any negative comments about Travis Alexander. We know he was a devout Mormon, he worked for Pre Paid Legal and he's been described by friends as a "funny guy". In his brief life, he accomplished alot. He was born on July 28, 1977 in Riverside to drug addicted and neglectful parents. He was ultimately raised by his grandparents who introduced him to the Mormon faith. After his high school graduation, he went on a two year Mormon mission in Denver, CO.
He authored a book, entitled "Raised You". He appears on the cover of Time magazine in a suit, the title "Alexander The Great" appears next to his photo. He was a motivational speaker, he had a blog - his entries are still online(travisalexander.blogspot.com). His blog was titled "Travis Alexander's Being Better Blog". His last blog entry was on May 18, 2008 - just weeks before being killed by ex-girlfriend Jodi Arias. In reading his blog entries, it seems clear that Travis had very high expectations of himself, spiritually, emotionally and financially. He was a good writer!
He speaks openly about becoming renowned for being single. Most of his friends were married and had children. This seems to be the direction Travis wanted his life to go in. He refers to his "solitary status" and being lonely. He goes on to talk about turning 30 years old and says: "around that time I realized it was time to adjust my priorities and date with marriage in mind". That's eerie. Jodi Arias's comments can be found on many of his blog entries, so we know she was reading this. He writes "not to ask someone out on a date because I planned on marring them, but to date someone to look for the possibility of marriage with them". And the most haunting of all entries, "desperately trying to find out if my date has an axe murderer penned up inside of her...". Was he referring to his experiences with Arias? He did believe her to be responsible for twice slashing his tires, breaking into his Facebook and e-mail accounts.
"2008 Affirmation" - Travis wrote "this year will be the best year of my life. This is the year that will eclipse all others. I will earn more, learn more, travel more, serve more, love more, give more and be more than all of the other years of my life combined." Sadly, 2008 would be the last year of his life. Arias claims she killed Alexander in self defense, after he became enraged when she dropped his digital camera in the bathroom of his Mesa, AZ home.
Although I have tried to keep an open mind about this case until all evidence has been presented in court, it's difficult to overlook what is already known. The lies Arias told the authorities and interviewers, the stalking behavior, the computer hacking and tire slashing - the June 10, 2008 trip to Cancun that Travis was taking with another woman (his body was found on June 9, 2008), the car Arias rented in another city and drove all night from California to Arizona, the bloody palm print and the photos which memorialize the attack unfolding....no gun has been recovered, but the gun "stolen" from Arias's grandparents home a few weeks before this crime is the same caliber gun used to shoot Travis. It's not a leap to believe she brought the gun with her.
Did the blog topics about marriage and the trip to Cancun push her over the edge? It's not a stretch. I've yet to find or hear anything negative about Travis Alexander. He overcame a tough childhood, until his grandparents took custody of him and his siblings. Instead of becoming a product of his early environment, he developed into a remarkable young man who had many many friends who loved him dearly. He accomplished so much.
Coverage of the State of AZ vs. Jodi Arias begins on In Session on Monday, January 7, 2013.
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I knew Travis Alexander and considered him a friend. I was always impressed wth his ability to win people over. He had such an air of confidence about him!
ReplyDeleteHe was funny. I remember walking through a store with him one day. He stopped at one aisle and helped a person with one of their purchases and explained all of the offerings on the shelf and left saying, "Thank you for shopping". I laughed until a year from now!
He was not a perfect person. I have listened to the embarrasing recording made of his phone conversations presented in court hearings. I recognize his voice and can verify that he is the person speaking. I have preferred not to think of his troubled personal faults. I know he made mistakes and bad decisions, but it is not my place to judge himm so harshly. All I can say is that his absence is tragic. His passing should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you so much for writing - it's amazing to me that someone who actually knew Travis Alexander would end up reading this little blog I started. This case has stuck with me for almost 5 years. I was home recovering from surgery when I first learned of this murder, and his body was actually found on my birthday (June 9th). I was struck by the vacant look in Jodi Arias's eyes and her inappropriate demeanor during her media interviews from jail - and knowing a woman was responsible for such a savage act was incredible to me. So many great things have been said about Travis Alexander, he seems to have touched many many people. And to hear the defense team and Jodi Arias drag him through the mud and be able to put out these outrageous claims about his attraction to young boys just pisses me off. The only thing they have shown during this case is the relationship between Jodi and Travis wasn't as one-sided as his friends and family believed. I don't believe for a second that he ever physically harmed her or that he forced himself on her. The most sickening allegation doesn't even deserve the attention it has received. I don't believe it and I pray the jury sees through her lies. Thanks again for commenting. I'm so sorry that you lost a friend.
DeleteI appreciate that you were a loyal and wonderful friend to Travis. I didn't know of him until the trial of his murder began. I believe this cold-hearted woman murdered him because he was on to her and that it's nothing but lies that shes spouting on the stand to muddy his reputation. Their conversations being played at the trial do not help her as it makes her look much worse for taking advantage of this kind, sweet man. It's amazing what he accomplished in his short life and how much more potential he had left to share with the world. I have a problem with the death penalty but in this case she deserves it. I'm so sorry for your loss. Condolences from Tennessee,
DeleteI knew Travis Alexander since 1996. I never know Jodi, but I know that she is lying about the guy I knew. He was my friend. I do want to protect his good name, but I wonder if it is really necessary. I never knew him to be a person that you would claim self defense against him. He was not a pedophile as far as I know. His death is tragic.
ReplyDeleteWow. It seems the only person who alleges Travis Alexander was physically/emotionally abusive was Jodi Arias, and knowing what she has to gain by saying negative things about him further clouds her credibility. It seems the people who really knew him were surprised at the depth of his relationship with her, but I don't believe for a minute that he was a pedophile. I hope the jury sees through these stories and have enough common sense to draw the correct conclusion about her. Thanks for your comment. You are the second person who left a comment that actually knew Travis Alexander. That still amazes me. Sorry you lost a friend.
DeleteWhile I didn't know Travis I can see he was a good man!! My heart goes out to his family and friends, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers that God will ease your pain and sadness. I believe in my heart that Travis's guardian Angeles were with Travis that day, they documented Jodi's evil deeds by causing those pictures to be taken. And making sure the camera wasn't removed from his home. Without those pictures as evidence she may have gotten away with it. I have been praying ever day that God will be with and guide Juan Martinez to be able to show the Jury the truth about Jodi. I have also been praying that God will help the Jury see that she is a cold blooded murderer who deserves the death penalty. Jodi has told nothing but lies about Travis, it's beyond horrible. There is book called " The Gift of Fear.". It says a person might not be able to stop a truck if they only toss a few tacks into the road. But if they throw like the entire box of tacks into the road, they are going to stop the truck. The meaning behind it is to teach people that when people are telling lies they throwout too many details. Or in the case in the book too many tacks. Jodi has thrown too many details into the road so to speak, it's all nothing but lies. She wasn't able to have him. so she made sure no one else would have him either. She is a stalker as well as a liar and a murderer!!!!! Justice for Travis!!!
DeleteJodi Arias pre meditated this murder. Using boy child pornography is something she could use to make him look like he was some sick pervert because she’s trying to take the focus off herself. What a sick woman to talk the way she talks. There is a God, she will be put to death, and if she isn’t, Im hoping its because if ever she gets out, she gets caught red handed in her next relationship. Anyone who wasn’t guilty would be fighting for their lives; she isn’t.....Too cocky, too so called “perfect” little witch. My heart bleeds for the family sitting in that court room. God bless them and give them some kind of peace through all of this.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to the family and friends of Travis . I didn’t know him personally, but I’ve learned a lot about him recently, and I agree… he accomplished a lot in his short life! He touched the lives of so many, and continues to do so even after his tragic, painful death. I’m sicken by the horrendous way the “victim” has been put on trial; his character challenged, his motives, and even now trying to say he was a pedophile; are there no limits to what this women will churn out? I just pray that the jury doesn’t fall for ANY of her “continuous” lies. Travis, Rest In Peace, you are in a better place now, and will be deeply missed by so many. I hope and pray that justice will prevail.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for your comments. I think Travis Alexander's death has touched so many people who never even knew him. It's not often that you hear so many friends come forward and they all say the same things about him - that he was the kindest, most decent and caring individual who tried to live the best life he can. He inspired and helped people. That has been a universal theme - one that I believe to be true. Nobody believes Jodi Arias's allegations - it's just not even logical that somebody with an interest in "child porn" wouldn't have one single photo or web search in his home or computer. It would be a dangerous mistake to rely on the words of a documented and admitted liar, Jodi Arias. I hope Travis's family and friends get the justice they so deeply deserve and I hope Jodi Arias gets what she deserves as well. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteThis is the most evil thing to do to someone.There is so much hate in Jodi Arais to go as far as she did in killing.Travis.All because she was jelous that Travis didnt want to take her to Cancun with him? My God, what would she do if someone else tells her "no" I"m glad that she'll never get the chance to do it again.. Yhey have already reported that she kicked her mother.She is pure evil and I hope she gets murder 1.... Yhat will put the breaks on her playing God.
ReplyDelete..
I too have been moved by the tradgedy of Travis. It's horrendous and gut wrenching to think of what he went through in his last minutes. Watching the trial unfold has made me feel things I didn't want to feel. Mainly, judgement of Travis. My first opinion of him still stands, from everything I can gather, a warm, loving and caring man with a purpose in life. After some evidence was revealed it was obvious to me that Travis had another side to him, as I have come to find out, we all do. I have experienced all kinds of people in my life and have found that the most smiley and happy people are sometimes the saddest. Watching Travis' friends swear that he was a virgin or that he spent a lot of time shooing Jodi away, sadly didn't know their friend as well as they thought. Travis seemed to be trying to show the world who he wanted to be but couldn't keep the status quo. My personal belief is that once his friends started judging Jodi and trying to steer him away from her, he took it underground. Much like he did with the non virgin unclean sex life. He did not in any way deserve or ask for his own brutal death! Please don't misunderstand, I just can't strike everything Jodi says as a lie because everyone refused to believe he was not a virgin and that has been shown to be true. He was into anal sex, a big no no in any Church. He told everyone he was done with Jodi and she was now stalking him yet calls her up and calls her honey. The tire slashing didn't make it in because there was no evidence except for testimony, I believe objected to as heresay, but wouldn't there be records of a purchase or two of four tires or eight as it goes? There is no evidence of physical abuse at all of Jodi that is for sure. There is however, evidence of emotional abuse in the text messaging. From experience, I unfortunately know that it is not that big a leap from emotional abuse to physical abuse even in the smallest of ways. Again, I am a supporter of Travis not Jodi. I just can't see premeditation.......yet. I can not be one who sees beyond a reasonable doubt to put her to death. Not yet. Self defence? Having a hard time with that too, unless she admitted to losing control and completely and utterly committing OverKill but she says she doesn't remember. I had the love of my life snatched from me by a drunk driver and I was in a "fog" for a couple of days. I only remeber snipits and even those I am not sure if they were memories from the fog time, before or after, so I can relate. I am watching this trial with eyes wide open and fear that the justice system in the public likes to jump in and kill way before the trials have even started. My ex was sexing our babysitter and when it was revealed to our circle of people including friends, hockey circle, school etc. to somehow redeem himself he made me the "neglectful, unfit, drug addict Mother who slept with his friends". Of course non of it was true but because it was put out there I was now the bad guy. He had to keep his upstanding reputation and amazingly, not one person asked me if any of it was true. We all need to stay as neutral as possible until the end of the trial and then and only then weigh the evidence. I know what it's like to be falsely accused. Don't hate on please....I'm just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me? You can't see premeditation? She bought gas cans so she didn't have to stop..she rented a car and the liscense plate upside down that "skateboarders" did! Jodi has lied about EVERYTHING...EVERYTHING!! Which story of hers do you believe?? And if he was so "verbally" abusive why did SHE keep going back for more??!! She was angry because he was done with her and she slaughtered him! Your eyes obviously aren't wide open enough or that would be plain to see!! Whatever two consenting adults have going on sexually is completely IRRELEVANT!! Who cares?! He may not have been perfect, but he sounds like a pretty great guy by all accounts. I pray for justice for Travis and his family! Even the death penalty is too good for Jodi...shes a monster!
DeleteJodi admits she shot him and to having the knife in her hand, so there is no doubt she is the murderer. Even if Travis was a pedophile, which I totally don't believe, it would have nothing to do with the murder, nothing. All this is to save her life, which she never even considered doing with Travis.
ReplyDeleteAbhorrent behavior and smears are jod's tools of choice. She really is beautiful and cunning, plus a super actress and script write; however, justice requires the needle. They both are a loss.
ReplyDeleteI too, knew and grew up with Travis. Went to middle school, high school and graduated with him. Although we weren't friends outside of school, I can say he was low key and respectable of others in school. He was very kind and sweet to me as a young child onward to our adult ages in high school. I remember his manorism while talking so vividly. He was expressive and passionate about what he was saying. He was smart and funny when he'd interact in school with teachers, always kind, respectful and patient. Like I said he was low key and mainly stuck with a few friends but never a loner. He was mature and loyal. A good guy. Heaven has a great one! Glad I got to know him.
ReplyDeleteNo one deserves to be murdered. After listening to all the evidence in this trial, in my opinion, Travis didn't seem like a very good person. In fact the comment about the 12 year old girl disgusted me and made me ill. Anyone that can down play how horrible that is or defend it needs some help. Hearing in his own words that comment pretty much summed up the kind of person he was. If I heard someone my daughter was dating say anything like that, she would never be able to see him again, period.
ReplyDeleteDo you really think Travis would talk like that to any of his friends or family? Of coarse not. He could however do that with the one person that allowed it, Jodi Arias. He was his dirty little secret. I am sorry for the loss of your friend but the fact in this case say he was a dirt bag.
With all that said. Jodi will be punished and hopefully spend the rest of her life in jail. Killing her would be too easy. Let her live with what shes done.
Also...if she gets life in prison it will give her the chance to do all kinds of tv interviews and make money, which can go to Travis' family when they sue her in a civil court.
He was not whiter than white, but that doesn't mean he deserved to die so brutally. Jodi Arias is a despicable individual and l hope she gets life.
ReplyDeleteI read that Travis had three years probation for assault on a store security guard and the phone recordings with Arias are sickening. He was quite high up in the Mormon church, yet his behaviour was very contradictory to the moral standing he had in his community.
I had a good friend at college, who was beaten up, raped and mentally abused by her handsome charismatic boyfriend. Another friend (no longer), who wrongly accused a male friend of rape and almost destroyed his reputation. I also had a dear friend, who turns out was a paedophile ( l never spoke to him again). I also had housemates at one point, who staged a fake marriage in front of their families and hid a colorful sex life.
People are not always what they seem and it appears that Travis was certainly not. The raunchy photos and conversations illustrate a very different facet of Travis's nature. Sometimes the people we admire most in prominent positions of trust are the very ones abusing it. What makes him a special case? Makes me think of the motivation speaker character in Donnie Darko, who is later exposed as a paedophile ( l am in no way suggestion Travis was, but using the character as an example of someone we should trust abusing their position of power).
Who cares what TWO consenting adults do behind closed doors?! Jodi was just as much a party to the sexual games as him! Its ridiculous that it was even brought into court! So he took adult photos and "dirty talked" with his girlfriend! That doesnt mean he didnt have faith!!! And are you implying he deserved to be slaughtered by this maniac??"!! I think the people writing on this blog need a head examination! The man was defenseless in the shower!! Who cares about the sexual issues?!! If Jodi TRULY, TRULy thought he was pedophile why did she stalk him and keep going back to him?! Its obsurd!!
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who should ever have doubt that evil lurks amongst us Travis Alexander's senseless death at the hands of Jodi (NARCISSTIC/PSYCHOPATH) Arias should be more proof than we needed. It's unfortunate she wasn't institutionlized as she should have been long ago, I'm nobody to judge as that's God's job but, I will say that with her parents having knowledge & being well aware of her on going mental instability let that be a reminder to anyone that deals with/is related to someone that exhibits this kind of behavior how vital it is to get them help & there are no excuses as you may be saving someone else's life. This horrific event should also remind us that leaders & Travis was a leader,(even know he didn't hold himself to that title) & leaders as a whole if you look back thru-out history unfortunately, will always attract the unsavory & unspeakable evil that disguises itself as something or someone it's not in order to get close to the object of obsession for the purpose of ill intent. Travis knew what his intuition was telling him long before this happened. The bottom line as Travis showed us we are human beings. My feeling is that Travis hadn't invited her & wasn't expecting her & she knew this & knew he felt this way (who wouldn't) so, she convieniently added that to her sick bag of tricks to use as the element of suprise in her detoured premeditated attack. She was used to always getting her way & everything being about her so she knew that no matter what time it was when she just showed up & being the master manipulator she is & of course as always taking advantage of the gentleman that Travis was he was going to let her in... Justice for Travis is getting ready to take place as I write this. Yes, she suceeded in taking a beautiful, loving, amazing, human being physically away & in doing so has caused unspeakable pain & heartbreak but, what she's too sick to realize is Travis lives in the hearts of those he loved forever that's something she can never take & everything this fine gentleman stood for may everyone & anyone who was blessed to know him & who's life he profoundly touched, those who are fortunate enough to carry a piece of him within them that he unselfessly left you please continue to carry on his unforgettable & unfinished legacy I'm sure that's what he would have wanted & those of us who didn't have the honor of knowing this incredible human being may we be wise enough & open our eyes our minds & hearts to the valuable lessons in his messages, writings & teachings. Travis in his short time has shown us all that it doesn't matter where, what or who you came from those circumstances are temporary & doesn't define who you are & it holds no barrier on what you're capable of doing, overcoming or becoming & with your belief in God yes indeed anything IS possible. As human beings, we should all strive to be a little more like Travis Alexander. Thank you Travis you were one in a million & to the Alexander family at this extremely difficult time please know that Travis' legacy has not only impacted the USA it's impacted the entire world, we are all praying & mourning his loss with you & Travis now has an army backing him & we know the jury is going to make the right decision & he is in that court room every day in spirit & he lives in everyone of your hearts & his honor will be upheld & justice will prevail. I thank the Alexander's for bringing him into the world & for sharing him with the rest of us. The Alexander family is a true & genuine first class act that no one could ever follow. My heart along with an army of hearts go out to them...
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Travis Alexander's Army
New Mexico USA
Some people cannot stand when people see so much good in others. Whether or not they know a person well, it doesn't matter. The good outshines any negativity. My only explanation for the overly critical is, they know themselves better than anyone, however, themselves nor anyone else can see nor speak of the good in them. They have never shined. I hope for you people, that you get to meet someone half as good as Travis for just one minute. Oh, and...take notes if you do.
ReplyDeleteTo the person who focused on the dirty talk within this trial, Shut the hell up. Nobody wants your holier-than-thou wanna be therpist or moral opinion and analysist of the phone conversations. You ignorant P.O.S can only focus on that? Well, too bad that you didn't date Jodi Arias so maybe you could have done it all perfectly, huh?
ReplyDeleteLaura would mac Jodi's gine in prison, is what Laura's 2 cents amount to.
ReplyDelete@ Laura you might want to go back and read the actually fact about the assault/probation b/c you obviously did not read it correctly, if you had you would have seen that it was NOT Travis it was is brother who used Travis name & info!! This has been proven by the sheriff & court months ago & was shown on the media. So next time make sure you have your facts straight before posting false info! There is nothing wrong with talking dirty or whatever kinky sex things two adult individuals want to do behind close doors or on the phone, its 2013 not 1940!
ReplyDeleteSay No to drug addiction forever...
ReplyDelete