Jodi Arias Murder Trial: Judge dismisses female juror, denies defense motion for mistrial

(CBS) PHOENIX - An Arizona judge dismissed a female juror Tuesday in the murder trial of Jodi Arias, but denied the defense's motion for a mistrial, reports CBS affiliate KPHO.

PICTURES: Jodi Arias murder trial

Judge Sherri Stephens dismissed juror number 5, a married, white woman in her 30s. The woman has multi-colored hair and was said to be observant and a good note-taker, reports KPHO.

Arias is charged with first-degree murder in the 2008 death of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Alexander was stabbed 27 times and suffered a slashed throat and gunshot to the head. Arias claims she killed him in self defense. She faces the death penalty if convicted.

VIDEO: Picture Perfect: The trial of Jodi Arias

According to KPHO, Arias' attorneys claimed "juror misconduct" was discovered during a closed proceeding last week, though they didn't cite specifics.

They did say that removing that juror, who they said they believed talked about the case with other jurors, would  be an option.

Testimony is expected to resume Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Complete coverage of Jodi Arias on Crimesider