Defense begins making case in boyfriend slaying

PHOENIX (AP) -- Attorneys for a woman accused in the gruesome killing of her ex-boyfriend in Arizona began presenting their case that she acted in self-defense.

The task undertaken Tuesday by lawyers for Jodi Arias is daunting after she gave police several accounts of the 2008 death.

Arias initially denied involvement then later blamed intruders.

She eventually acknowledged killing Travis Alexander and now claims she acted in self-defense against her abusive lover.

The first defense witness testified mostly about his business mentoring relationship with Arias and was asked about how provocatively she dressed and whether she acted sexually inappropriate.

Alexander was stabbed nearly 30 times, his throat was slit, and he was shot in the forehead.

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