Ep 7. I Want to Watch His Last Breath

In season 10, episode 7 of the true crime series Evil Lives Here, the episode titled "I Want to Watch His Last Breath", viewers are introduced to Jodi Arias, a woman whose obsession with her ex-boyfriend ultimately leads to his murder.

The episode begins with Jodi's childhood, which was filled with instability and abuse. Her parents had a tumultuous relationship, which often resulted in violence. As a result, Jodi and her siblings were shuffled from relative to relative, never having a stable home life. Jodi grew up with intense anxiety and low self-esteem, which made it difficult for her to form healthy relationships.

As a young adult, Jodi began dating a man named Travis Alexander. He was a devout Mormon and successful businessman, and Jodi was immediately attracted to him. However, their relationship was rocky from the start. Jodi became obsessed with Travis, monitoring his every move and becoming jealous of his female friends. Despite her behavior, Travis continued to date Jodi on and off for several years, unable to fully break away from her.

One day, Travis was found brutally murdered in his home. Jodi quickly became the prime suspect in his murder, and police began to uncover a web of lies and deceit that Jodi had created in her attempt to cover up the crime.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from Jodi's family members, who describe her as a troubled individual with severe mental health issues. They discuss her history with lying and manipulative behavior, noting that they were not surprised when she was arrested for Travis' murder. Jodi's sister describes their childhood, explaining that their parents' violent outbursts had a lasting impact on Jodi's mental health.

Viewers also hear from Travis' siblings and friends, who paint a picture of him as a kind and generous individual who was deeply committed to his faith. They express their shock and horror at the brutal way in which he was murdered, and how difficult it was to come to terms with the fact that someone they knew and trusted could be capable of such violence.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about Jodi's trial and conviction. She maintained her innocence throughout the trial, but the evidence against her was overwhelming. The prosecution argued that Jodi had premeditated the murder and had gone to great lengths to cover it up. Jodi's defense team attempted to paint her as a victim, claiming that she had acted in self-defense after years of emotional and physical abuse from Travis. Despite their efforts, Jodi was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to grapple with the complexity of Jodi's case. On the one hand, her childhood trauma and mental health issues are clearly significant factors in her behavior. On the other hand, the brutal murder of an innocent man cannot be excused. The episode raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role of mental health in criminal cases.

Overall, "I Want to Watch His Last Breath" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Evil Lives Here. It provides a nuanced look at a complicated case, and offers insights into the minds of both the perpetrator and the victim. Fans of true crime and psychological analysis will find plenty to chew on in this episode.