On Monday, Jodi Arias' attorneys told the jury that they cannot continue to defend her as the death penalty phase of the trial was underway.

According to ABC News, Arias' lead attorney Kirk Nurmi asked the judge for a mistrial and that he have permission to withdraw from the case citing prosecutorial misconduct.

NBC News reported that after judge, Sherry Stephens, denied the request for a mistrial she further denied the request for the lawyers to be taken off the case.

The witness who was supposed to testify on Arias' behalf, Patricia Womack, began to receive death threats and was a no show at the trial on Monday.

In an email to NBC News, Womack wrote about why she backed out of her testimony.

"I couldn't do it," she wrote. "I feel there is so much good in Jodi to be saved but then also someone's dear life was taken."

After having the witness back out and the judge denying his request Nurmi refused to present any witnesses and Stephens called for a recess, according to USA Today.

Arias, 32, was found guilty May 8th of first-degree murder for the 2008 annihilation of Travis Alexander. She admitted to killing Alexander after a day of sex. Arias shot him in the face, stabbed him nearly 30 times and slit his throat ear to ear. NBC news reported that at her trial she claimed self-defense.

Stephens told the jurors that they could consider various factors when they decide the fate of Arias. The judge told them to consider the fact that Arias lack of a criminal record, claims that she was a good friend, statements that she had suffered an abusive childhood, and that she is a talented artist.

However, prosecutor Juan Martinez stated to the jury that those factors should not count towards giving Arias a sentence other than death.

Arias attorney, Kirk Nurmi, stated, "When you understand who Ms. Arias is, you will understand that life is the appropriate sentence."

Nurmi has said that he will let Arias speak on Tuesday; however, it is unclear as to what she will be saying when she takes the stand.