By Shanna Hogan | Phoenix New Times
Seated in the waiting room of his empty Phoenix office, defense attorney Kirk Nurmi appears beaten and battle weary.
Since gaining notoriety defending convicted murderer Jodi Arias, Nurmi has lost 75 pounds, and his clothing drapes loosely on his deflated frame. Yet, at 6-foot-2 and still rotund, he remains an imposing figure.
Clasping both hands behind his head, Nurmi sighs as he opens up about the case that made his a household name.
“People still see me as a character: Nurmi the evil defense attorney who supports Jodi Arias,” he says in his gentle voice. “As opposed to who I am and what my career stands for.”
Throughout her highly publicized murder trial, most courtroom observers condemned Jodi Arias for the grisly 2008 slaying of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander.
The contagious contempt of Arias spread to her lawyers, family, and expert witnesses. And, as her lead attorney, Kirk Nurmi became the biggest target.
