We watched as Jodi Arias was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of release. For years we followed her case. It was ugly. The victim was re-victimized time and time again. Jodi was plain ruthless. She lied, she schemed, and, in the end, she avoided the death penalty. She took one last chance to torment the Alexander family at her sentencing when she spoke. Among other insulting statements, the fog magically lifted and she recalled details of the murder she couldn't remember for all these years. Better left unsaid? Yes. True Jodi fashion? Absolutely.
But, she is now gone from the center ring. She is a statistic now, just a number, and literally too, prisoner number 28119. We may hear the occasional story about her, shenanigans she's been up to, or the reminder that this trial that went on way too long, which caused so much additional trauma and pain to the gracious Alexander family and his friends, several of whom, I have had the honor of meeting through The Gold Patrol.
Speaking of meeting, how many of us have formed meaningful friendships in the wake of this tragedy? Pretty much all of us. I think we bonded as we grieved for a stranger whose life was taken way too soon. I like to think this is what Travis Victor Alexander would like. He was about connections, bonds. From his friends and family, it's pretty clear that Travis was that special guy who would be capable of bringing people together, even in his death.
The State’s team, Prosecutor Juan Martinez and Detective Esteban Flores, poured their hearts into seeking justice for Travis. Detective Flores and his wife Corrine lost their son tragically recently, only to have Detective Flores back in that courtroom shortly after to ensure that his commitment to justice was seen through to the end.
While most supporters never knew Travis, it's amazing how we all feel he's our friend, our brother. I encourage all of you to go forward from this point and not reflect on Jodi one more minute, but only on the man who made a lot of strangers turn into a family. To continue his legacy, even if in small ways. I hope that in the coming months and years, the Alexander family finds some joy in knowing that their brother, while gone from this earth, has made such a big impact on so many people. Their pain is never going to go away. Nobody will replace Travis, as nobody could. But, I hope that time and the absence of a criminal trial gives them the time and space to begin to pick up the pieces. They're a close family who clearly loves one another. I know they will find their way together.
You can finally rest in peace, Travis.
"Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did"
But, she is now gone from the center ring. She is a statistic now, just a number, and literally too, prisoner number 28119. We may hear the occasional story about her, shenanigans she's been up to, or the reminder that this trial that went on way too long, which caused so much additional trauma and pain to the gracious Alexander family and his friends, several of whom, I have had the honor of meeting through The Gold Patrol.
Speaking of meeting, how many of us have formed meaningful friendships in the wake of this tragedy? Pretty much all of us. I think we bonded as we grieved for a stranger whose life was taken way too soon. I like to think this is what Travis Victor Alexander would like. He was about connections, bonds. From his friends and family, it's pretty clear that Travis was that special guy who would be capable of bringing people together, even in his death.
The State’s team, Prosecutor Juan Martinez and Detective Esteban Flores, poured their hearts into seeking justice for Travis. Detective Flores and his wife Corrine lost their son tragically recently, only to have Detective Flores back in that courtroom shortly after to ensure that his commitment to justice was seen through to the end.
While most supporters never knew Travis, it's amazing how we all feel he's our friend, our brother. I encourage all of you to go forward from this point and not reflect on Jodi one more minute, but only on the man who made a lot of strangers turn into a family. To continue his legacy, even if in small ways. I hope that in the coming months and years, the Alexander family finds some joy in knowing that their brother, while gone from this earth, has made such a big impact on so many people. Their pain is never going to go away. Nobody will replace Travis, as nobody could. But, I hope that time and the absence of a criminal trial gives them the time and space to begin to pick up the pieces. They're a close family who clearly loves one another. I know they will find their way together.
You can finally rest in peace, Travis.
"Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did"
