A woman charged with stabbing and shooting to death her boyfriend is standing trial in Phoenix and could become the fourth female inmate on Arizona's death row if convicted.

Jodi Arias is accused of killing Travis Alexander, of Mesa, in 2008.

Investigators say she initially denied being at the scene until authorities found her bloody hand print there, then suggested two masked intruders attacked her and killed Alexander.

Police say Arias eventually claimed self-defense and said Alexander was violent.

He had told friends that she had become too possessive, so he broke up. But phone and email records reportedly indicate they continued to carry on a sexual relationship.

Authorities say Arias shot Alexander in the face, stabbed him 27 times and slit his throat in a shower.