Lawyers representing Jodi Arias in her sentencing retrial are fighting to get the judge to take the death penalty off the table.

In May 2013, Arias was found guilty of first-degree murder in the case, but the jury failed to reach an unanimous decision on her sentencing. As a result, the convicted boyfriend killer is currently undergoing a retrial that will determine whether she should be sentenced to death, life in prison or life with a chance of release after serving 25 years.

Last week, the defense team asked Judge Sherry Stephens to eliminate the death penalty as an option because three of their witnesses refuse to testify in an open court. The team stated in court filings that the witnesses fear they'll be harassed or threatened if they testify in front of the public and media. As a result, on Monday the lawyers argued that their refusal to testify is hurting Arias' chance of getting a fair trial, reports Radar Online.

The defense describes the three witnesses as one of Arias' former longtime boyfriends, her former co-worker and a friend of Alexander, reports the Associated Press.

Last Wednesday, an Arizona Court of Appeals overruled Judge Stephens' decision to block the media and public from hearing the testimony of a "mystery" witness as requested by the defense team on Oct. 30.

It was also revealed that the "mystery" witness was Arias, herself, according to AZ Central. As a result, the convicted murderer must testify in public if she plans on taking the stand again.

Attorney David Bodney said he will request that the transcripts from Arias' testimony be released without delay.

"I think this order sends a strong message about the importance of allowing the public to attend this trial when the defendant testifies," he said.

The Jodi Arias murder case began more than six years ago after Arias' ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander, 30, was found dead inside of his Phoenix, Arizona home in June 2008. According to medical examiners, Alexander was stabbed 27 times, primarily in the back, torso and heart. He was also nearly decapitated and suffered from a gunshot wound in the face.

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