Category Archives: Daily Interesting Stories

The Jodi Arias Trial: Must-See TV

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Are you watching the Jodi Arias trial? The more that I watch the more I am shocked about the depravity of the defendant.

One of the hosts of In Session made this comment today about the nature of the crime Arias has admitted to (paraphrasing):

“This crime is one of the worst we have seen in America since I can remember.”

That comment came from an individual who has spent her life in court rooms, following many cases.

She is right.

Think about the crime that Jodi says that she committed. She stabbed Travis Alexander 29 times, slit his throat to the point of almost decapitation and shot him in the face.

There is also evidence that Jodi photographed the victim before, during and after the murder.

There are so many shocking aspects about the case, including the fact that such a heinous crime was committed by a woman. That level of violence and aggression is not typically associated with women. Most criminology textbooks note that crime is mostly a male phenomenon. In the case of homicides, 90% are committed by men.

Pathological Lying

What is also shocking is the extent and the nature of the lies told by of Jodi Arias. Her lies put Casey Anthony to shame. An example of her lies can be seen in the 48 Hours video (below).

The video is about 50 minutes but it provides the basic details of the case (in case you want to start tuning in).

Next week, the prosecutor will have an opportunity to cross examine Jodi.

If you are not watching,this trial, you don’t know what you are missing.

(Skip to about 26:00 to hear Jodi’s first lie story about her version of events on the night of the murder.)

Murder/Suicide Mystery In Georgia

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Tom Sublett was the Commissioner of Glynn County, Georgia. He body was discovered this past December in a lake. His hands were tied and he had a gunshot to the head. The Coroner ruled it a suicide.

Facts of the case include:lake

  • There was a gun found in Mr. Sublett’s car but not near the lake;
  • Authorities also uncovered unused bullets, zip ties, empty prescription bottles (belonging to he and his wife), Mr. Sublett’s wallet, and blood evidence on the dock and the car;
  • He was last seen playing poker with friends the night before his death;
  • Was described as a well-liked, trusted man; and
  • Had no history of substance use or abuse, depression or suicidal thoughts.

Mr. Sublett’s family “strongly disagrees” with the Coroner’s ruling as a suicide. There is a $70,000 reward for his any information about his death.

There are likely other facts of the case that have not been reported but its unclear how an individual shoots themselves in the head when their hands tied.

NY Daily News

This story reminds me of a recent documentary that aired on PBS who asked the question: Should we abolish coroners? The National Academy of Sciences say yes.

Coroners are not necessarily trained medical professionals. Qualifications vary greatly state to state. PBS, citing the National Association of Medical Examiners, noted the following problems with coroners:

  • Colorado recommends and encourages but does not require their coroners to be trained in forensic death investigations.
  • Jay County, Indiana elected an 18-year old to the position of deputy coroner while she was still in high school.
  • Georgia, the state discussed in the above story, only requires that their coroners be at least 25-years old, be a high school graduate, complete one week of death investigation training, and not be a convicted felon.

Watch this PBS Clip About Abolishing Coroners:

Watch Should We Abolish Coroners? on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.

The “Real” Story Behind One Model’s Beautiful Photos

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I love TED talks and this video is quite interesting. Cameron Russell is a model. She speaks candidly about what that experience is like, and not in a way you’ve ever heard before.model

Two aspects of her talk are quite memorable. The first is her acknowledgement of being highly insecure.

I don’t know that many people would have expected a high-fashion model to be insecure. She explains that her insecurity derives from the fact that her livelihood depends entirely on her looks. Once explained, it makes perfect sense.

The second memorable aspect of the video are the split-screen photos of her looking “normal” and made-up, both on the same day (once you watch the video, you’ll see what I mean). It makes the viewer realize just how fake those images are.

Tomorrow I will be lecturing about gender and stereotypes. In the context of that discussion, the students will appreciate this video.

She also addresses her race in a remarkably honest way.

“I always just say I was scouted, but that means nothing. The real way I became a model is that I won a genetic lottery, and I am a recipient of a legacy. For the past few centuries, we have defined beauty not just as health and youth and symmetry that we’re biologically programmed to admire, but also as tall, slender figures with femininity and white skin. This is a legacy that was built for me, and that I’ve been cashing in on.”

The Case of “Beautiful” Jodi Arias

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If you don’t think looks matter when it comes to criminal justice, check out the Jodi Arias case.

The video below continuously features people discussing the attractiveness of Jodi.

Mr. Arias is accused of killing her “handsome” boyfriend.

Read her blog she kept years before the murder case.

The courtroom is packed with journalists from all over the world.

Some believe that jurors might have a difficult time believing that someone so “attractive” could committed murder. Keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The most ridiculous aspect of this video is what Nancy Grace says when she is split-screen with a video of Jodi Arias singing.

Nancy Grace:

“I can totally see her committing a murder.”

Really?

What happened to innocent until proven guilty?

See Nancy in full-blame mode at about 50 seconds into the clip below.