Tag Archives: Jodi Arias

Investigations, Jodi Arias, Life Stories on Film, Rebecca Beard, Texas Cold Cases, True Crime

Why I Fight So Hard for Victims: The Story I’ve Never Shared

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Tammy Rose hiking with a friend before sharing the personal story that inspired her investigative reporting and advocacy for crime victims.
Tammy Rose shares the personal journey that inspired her lifelong commitment to fighting for victims.

Why I Fight So Hard for Victims: The Story I’ve Never Shared

By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

Why I’m Sharing This Now

People often ask why I spend so much time filing public records requests, interviewing grieving families, and refusing to give up on cold cases.

The answer isn’t found in a newsroom.

It’s found in one of the most painful chapters of my own life.

Long before I became an investigative reporter, I became a victim.

For years, I kept this story private because of the shame, embarrassment, and fear that followed.

Today, I’m sharing it because I hope it helps others understand why I fight so hard for victims.

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I Didn’t Want to Report the Crime

The person who sexually assaulted me wasn’t a stranger.

He was someone my family knew and trusted.

After it happened, I didn’t want to report the crime.

I was embarrassed.

I was ashamed.

Like many victims, I blamed myself.

I wanted to pretend it had never happened.

It was my former husband who convinced me to go to law enforcement. He told me that if I didn’t report the crime, he would.

Looking back, I’m grateful he encouraged me to speak up.

At the time, it felt impossible.

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The Trial Changed My Family Forever

Going through the criminal justice system was one of the hardest experiences of my life.

During the trial, I learned the defendant had previously been convicted in another sexual assault case involving a child under the age of 14 and had served a much shorter sentence.

That realization was heartbreaking.

The case also divided my family.

One of the most painful moments was watching my own sister testify for the defense.

My father blamed me for what had happened.

Losing the support of people I loved was devastating.

The verdict ended the criminal case.

It did not end the pain.

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The Papers I Never Threw Away

Wisconsin court records and victim notification documents preserved by Tammy Rose years after her criminal case, illustrating the lasting impact of surviving sexual assault.
Court records and victim notification letters I kept for years—documents that reminded me the criminal case ended, but the journey as a victim did not.

Recently, I opened a folder I hadn’t looked at in years.

Inside were Wisconsin court records, sentencing documents, and a Wisconsin Department of Corrections victim notification letter informing me the offender would one day be released from prison.

Holding those papers again reminded me that victims often carry a case long after the courtroom is empty.

The documents aren’t just legal records.

For me, they represent years of healing.

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Years Later, I Had to Defend My Truth Again

Courthouse walkway during the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial where testimony related to the State Bar proceedings was taking place.
Courthouse during the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial, where my reporting ultimately led to State Bar proceedings that resulted in my deposition years after my own criminal case had ended.

Years after my criminal case ended, I was covering the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial as a reporter.

During my reporting, I uncovered information that led me to file a complaint with the State Bar of Arizona regarding prosecutor Juan Martinez.

As part of that disciplinary process, I was deposed.

During that process, records from my own criminal case became part of the deposition and were made public. As a victim, it was devastating to see deeply personal parts of my past become public record years after I believed I had finally moved forward.

I never imagined my own past would become part of those proceedings.

During the deposition, my background was examined, including the sexual assault case from years earlier. My credibility was challenged, and I felt as though I was once again defending one of the most painful experiences of my life.

For years, I had been afraid to speak up.

Then something changed.

I remember saying, “The judge and jury believed me. If you disagree with that, take it up with them.”

It was the first time in a long time that I truly stood up for myself.

⸻

Why I Fight So Hard for Victims

Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Bulletin for Rebecca Jean Beard, issued during the investigation into her disappearance.
Official Texas DPS Missing Persons Bulletin for Rebecca Jean Beard, documenting her disappearance before Paul Taylor Jr. later pleaded guilty in the case despite her remains never being recovered.

Every records request I file…

Each family I interview…

No cold case is just another story.

Every difficult question I ask…

Is driven by one purpose: finding the truth.

I know what it feels like to wonder if anyone will believe you.

I’ve experienced losing relationships because I told the truth.

Years later, my credibility was questioned over events from my past.

Those experiences shaped the reporter I am today.

Victims deserve compassion.

Families deserve answers.

The truth deserves to be pursued—even when it’s uncomfortable.

⸻

To Every Victim Reading This

Memorial image of Terri Denise McDaniels, an unsolved homicide victim from Pearland, Texas, whose case remains unsolved.
Terri Denise McDaniels was murdered in Pearland, Texas, on October 31, 1986. Her homicide remains unsolved. Every unsolved case represents a family still waiting for answers and justice.

Maybe you’ve been afraid to report a crime.

Perhaps someone blamed you for something that wasn’t your fault.

Or maybe you’ve wondered whether anyone would believe you.

You are not alone.

Sharing this story isn’t about reliving the past.

It’s about explaining why I continue fighting for victims every single day.

I can’t change what happened to me.

But I can make sure my experiences help someone else find the courage to speak.

As long as I have a voice, I’ll keep fighting for those still searching for justice.

That’s why I fight so hard for victims.

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If you’d like to learn more about trauma, healing, and the importance of seeking justice for victims, you may also find these resources helpful.

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Recommended Reading

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

More Investigations by Tammy Rose

Rebecca Beard: No Body. No Weapon. My investigation into the 1986 disappearance and the unanswered questions that remain.

Roy Alan Stuart Prison Journals: Former Harris County Deputy Kent McGowen shares chilling prison confessions that could help solve cold cases.

Breaking News, Jodi Arias, Life Stories on Film, PCR, True Crime

Juan Martinez Disciplinary Hearing: My Story as a Key Witness

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This story is long overdue. I am speaking publicly because I was a key witness in the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing. My decision to come forward helped expose misconduct that ultimately ended his career as a prosecutor.

How I Discovered the Misconduct

Flying in SkyEye 13!
Journalist Tammy Rose

Covering the Jodi Arias Sentencing Retrial

 I was covering the Jodi Arias case when I noticed troubling behavior by then‑prosecutor Juan Martinez. It crossed ethical lines.

One of the most disturbing revelations was the leak of Juror 17’s identity to the public. The information did not come from the court; it came from within the prosecution itself, passed via a media intermediary.

When a juror’s identity becomes public, it puts them at serious risk. In this case, that juror later received threats to their safety.

That moment marked a turning point for me. What began as reporting became a matter of public responsibility. I realized I needed to document and report what I had uncovered.

I provided investigators with records and testimony about how the leak happened, knowing it could affect my career and reputation. Still, I chose to act ethically and tell the truth.

The investigation confirmed that protected information had been improperly shared and that this conduct was part of a broader pattern of ethical violations.

Prosecutor Juan Martinez walking into court with a key witness during Jodi Arias' sentencing retrial

My Role in the Disciplinary Hearing

I gave testimony and submitted evidence detailing the leaks and unethical conduct. My goal was never to attack individuals unnecessarily, but to ensure accountability and integrity in the justice system.

I acted independently and ethically, aware that speaking out could impact my professional life. But truth and public safety were my priority.

Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing
Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing

What Happened After the Investigation

After reviewing the evidence, the investigation confirmed a pattern of ethical violations, including:

• Improper communications with media members

• Leaks of protected juror information

• Conduct prejudicial to justice

As a result, Juan Martinez was terminated and later disbarred. His ability to practice law was permanently revoked.

Proseuctor Juan Martinez during the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, observed by journalist Tammy Rose

Why This Story Still Matters

Prosecutors hold immense power. When that power is abused, the entire justice system is at risk. I came forward because journalists are not above the law — and neither are prosecutors.

This story reminds us that accountability matters.

More Investigative Journalism by Tammy Rose

This story is part of my work covering the justice system and holding powerful figures accountable. You can read more of my investigative reporting here.

Jodi Arias, PCR, True Crime

Could the Jodi Arias case be blown wide open in 2026?

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Jodi Arias sitting in court during her murder trial in Phoenix, Arizona

Why the Jodi Arias Case Is Back in the Spotlight

Is there a real possibility the infamous Jodi Arias case could be retried due to missing evidence and alleged misconduct?

For the first time in years, Jodi Arias is publicly addressing that question herself.

Arias was convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander, in 2008 after stabbing and shooting him in the shower. She is currently serving a life sentence. Now, more than a decade later, Arias has begun writing about her case again — and this time, her focus is not prison life, but the integrity of the investigation and prosecution that put her behind bars.

Investigative reporter Tammy Rose inside a news helicopter during coverage of the Jodi Arias case, which she reported on both from the air and on the ground.

Why a Retrial in 2026 Is Unlikely But Possible

Through her attorneys, Arias has filed a post-conviction relief request. From inside Perryville Prison, she responded to investigative reporter Tammy Rose regarding the possibility of an interview related to that filing.

Screenshots of email messages between investigative reporter Tammy Rose and Jodi Arias regarding Arias' post-conviction filings.
Screenshot of an email response from Jodi Arias to investigative reporter Tammy Rose regarding requested interview.

What New Evidence Could Change

Until now, Arias’ “Just Jodi” prison blog has largely avoided the details of her criminal case, focusing instead on daily life behind bars.

But a new post titled “Hello, 2026” marks a significant shift. In it, Arias makes serious allegations, claims misconduct, and states she is seeking new legal counsel to pursue them.

In the post, Arias accuses investigators and prosecutors of withholding, losing, or destroying exculpatory evidence. She specifically names former lead detective Esteban Flores, now retired, and former prosecutor Juan Martinez.

“Important, exculpatory evidence in my case has been lost or destroyed,” Arias writes. “Where is my proof? I’m working on that.”

She also alleges her current legal representation has dismissed her concerns, claiming her attorneys minimize her claims while continuing to bill the county.

Adding to the controversy, both attorneys from Arias’ original trial were later disbarred. Former prosecutor Juan Martinez was disbarred for misconduct following the trial , and Arias’ defense attorney, Kirk Nurmi, was also disbarred after writing a book about his client while her case was still active — a move widely criticized as unethical.

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Book cover of "Trapped with Ms. Arias" by L. Kirk Nurmi, featuring gold handcuffs on a black background.
Defense attorney Kirk Nurmi wrote a book about his client. #ad

Court documents also reference requests for information regarding a book Martinez allegedly began writing during Arias’ first trial, raising additional concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

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Book cover of "Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias Behind Bars" by Juan Martinez.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez also allegedly worked on a book related to the case during the first trial. #ad

What This Means for True Crime Watchers where should that go

So the question remains: do these claims — combined with documented misconduct surrounding key figures in the case— give Jodi Arias a legitimate path toward a new trial?

For now, the courts will decide whether her allegations warrant further review. But for the first time in years, Jodi Arias is no longer avoiding the case – she’s confronting it head-on.

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Jodi Arias, PCR, True Crime

From Courtroom to Hardcover: Could Martinez’s Book Rewrite Arias’ Fate?

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Prosector Juan Martinez walking outside the courthouse with a key witness during the Jodi Arias trial.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez enters the courtroom with a key witness during the Jodi Arias trial. Photo by Tammy Rose.

Convicted murderer Jodi Arias may be closer than ever to a second shot at freedom — and her legal team believes former prosecutor Juan Martinez’s book could be the key.

Martinez allegedly began writing Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias Behind Bars while Arias was still on trial — long before it was published. Now, Arias’ attorneys are demanding business records from the literary agent Martinez originally hired, hoping those files will reveal whether he planned to profit from her case while prosecuting it.

If the records show ethical violations or conflicts of interest, her lawyers argue the trial itself may have been tainted — opening the door to post-conviction relief and a possible new path to freedom.Convicted murderer Jodi Arias may be closer than ever to a second shot at freedom — and her legal team believes former prosecutor Juan Martinez’s book could be the key. This isn’t the first controversy surrounding the Jodi Arias prosecution.

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Book cover of "Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias Behind Bars" by Juan Martinez.
Prosecutor Juan Martinez’ book about the Arias case.

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Obsessed with true crime? Here’s a list of must-read book you won’t put down.

True crime books

Why a Retrial in 2026 is Unlikely But Possible

A judge has given Arias until September 2, 2026 to file her post-conviction petition. That deadline matters, because courts rarely reopen cases unless new evidence proves serious misconduct.

But Arias’ legal team believes these publishing records could do exactly that. If Martinez was negotiating a book deal while prosecuting Arias, it could violate ethical rules meant to prevent prosecutors from financially benefiting from active cases.

If proven, that conflict could be powerful enough to force the court to re-examine her conviction.

When Prosector Misconduct Changes Everything

History shows that misconduct can — and does — overturn even the most settled cases.

Curtis Flowers was tried six times for the same murders. Four convictions were thrown out after appeals courts found repeated prosecutorial misconduct and racial bias in jury selection. Eventually, all charges were dropped, and Flowers walked free.

James Alan Gell spent years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Prosecutors withheld evidence that could have cleared him. His conviction was overturned, he was acquitted in a new trial, and he was released.

These cases prove that when misconduct is exposed, even long-standing verdicts can collapse.

What This Means for True Crime Watchers

The Arias case has captivated millions for over a decade — but this development changes the story. This isn’t about whether people believe she is guilty. It’s about whether the person who prosecuted her played by the rules.

If Martinez was building a book deal while arguing for her conviction, it raises serious questions about fairness, motive, and integrity in one of the most watched trials in modern true-crime history.

Bottom Line

With the 2026 PCR deadline approaching, Arias’ attorneys are betting that what’s buried inside those publishing records could rewrite her fate — and possibly expose one of the most controversial prosecutorial conflicts the true-crime world has ever seen.

Court filings and evidence may soon tell the story that never made it into the courtroom. Click below to read the court documents.

CR2008-031021-001 – 197 – 8-22-2025 – 186046660 – NONE – CR_08-22-2025_MEEDS – 1 –Download
CR2008-031021-001 – MFH – 6-27-2025 – 185456259 – NONE – EFILING ID 20101537 – 1 – PART 1 OF 1 –Download

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Jodi Arias, PCR, True Crime

Jodi Arias stalls on PCR bid. Court docs uncover the hold-up.

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Jodi Arias during her murder trial in Arizona courtroom.

Why the PCR Filing Is Delayed

Jodi Arias PCR filings remain delayed, and newly filed court records explain why the post-conviction relief process has stalled.

According to the court record, Arias’ attorneys requested that the court cancel scheduled oral arguments while they review business records connected to Folio Literary Management and author Steve Troha. Those records may relate to a 2016 book written by former prosecutor Juan Martinez and could impact arguments raised in Arias’ PCR case.

Until the review is complete, the court cannot move forward with the PCR process. Court documents also indicate the filing deadline has been pushed back, signaling that the case remains paused pending further review.

Want more true crime? Here’s a list of must-read books you won’t put down.

true crime books
CR2008-031021-001 – MOT – 10-23-2025 – 186718654 – NONE – EFILING ID 20813827 – 1 – PART 1 OF 1Download

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Breaking News, Jodi Arias

Inside the Jodi Arias Trial: Power, Sex, and Scandal

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▶ Video reported, produced, and edited by Tammy Rose

More than a decade after the Jodi Arias murder trial, the case continues to captivate true-crime audiences.

From obsessive behavior to explosive courtroom moments, the trial exposed a disturbing mix of power, sex, and control. A secret witness and the tragic death of a police officer’s son added to the emotional weight of the proceedings.

Reported, produced, and edited by journalist Tammy Rose, this story takes viewers inside the courtroom for a firsthand look at one of the most notorious legal sagas in modern history.

Read more true crime and courtroom coverage at ChopperRose.com

Jodi Arias, True Crime

Behind the scenes with “Obsessed Trial Watchers” – A True Crime Documentary

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Go behind the scenes of Obsessed Trial Watchers, a true crime documentary created by journalist and filmmaker Tammy Rose. In this exclusive look, I take you inside the investigation, production, and storytelling process behind the case that captured national attention.

How “Obsessed Trial Watchers” Was Researched and Filmed

Obsessed with Trials? Well, so am I. Go behind the scenes with me at the #JericeHunterTrial. This trial revolves around a Phoenix, AZ mother accused of killing her 5-year-old daughter, Jhessye Shockley in 2011. The state says Jerice Hunter locked her daughter in a closet, beat and starved her to death. Then, she concealed her body in a suitcase and threw it away like trash in a Tempe dumpster. While this isn’t a death penalty case, Hunter is facing first degree murder charges. The defense claims Jhessye was abducted and there is no proof that she is even dead.