This is my open letter to the 11 Jurors and 2 Alternate Jurors of Arias penalty phase Retrial. I hope this finds its way to them.
Among so many other things, over the last several years, this trial has opened my eyes to the realities of what defines truth and justice in our court systems today. The things I witnessed in this AZ courtroom have taken its toll on many people, and for me personally has exposed my naiveté and has forced me to accept the possibility that true Justice is just an illusion, a long forgotten ideal that has been trampled upon and all but vanquished to ensure the rights of a criminal defendant. How did things get so obviously out of balance? Anyway, what I have discovered out of all of this, is that my faith that the justice system can and does work equally for both the victims and the defendants has been shaken to its very core.
Many have followed this trial from the very beginning, and through all of it, no matter how protracted, vile and outright painful it has been to witness the absolutely cruel and repetitive assault of a brutally murdered victim, we have waited, ever hopeful, that a just verdict would be rendered. To hear that you could not reach a unanimous verdict was a powerfully emotional moment for me, as I am sure it was for others. My mind was full and I began the process of grappling with a rather overwhelming sense that I couldn't find even a little hope for guidance
...and then I thought of Travis' family and the pure agony they must have been feeling, I just could not comprehend what this was doing to them .
But then collectively as jurors, with your beautiful courage, your dedication to truth and service, and your great heart came forward to talk about your experience as jurors on this trial. And I say thank you, thank you, thank you...a million times thank you, because of yet another selfless act on your part, you have inspired, touched, and restored a measure of faith in this great system of ours for me and others. But most importantly I think you have given the Alexander's an invaluable gift, the gift of truth amid a vast sea of lies.
So with that said, I wish that each and every one of you find the peace necessary to move forward after all you have sacrificed for justice in this trial.