Jodi Ann Arias was born on July 9, 1980, in Salinas, California, to William "Bill" Angelo Arias and Sandra Dee (née Allen) Arias. She attended school until 11th grade, at which point she dropped out of Yreka Union High School. She started her career as an aspiring photographer and worked odd jobs until she got a sales position with Pre-Paid Legal Services. Jodi knows Spanish and ASL. Her main astrology signs are Cancer-sun, Gemini-moon, and Taurus-rising.

Jodi was charged with the murder of Travis Alexander, her then-lover, who expired on June 4, 2008. She was found guilty of first-degree murder on May 8, 2013.

Jodi is currently a paint artist and blogger. She sells original artwork via her website, ArtbyJodiArias.com. She blogs monthly on her Substack newsletter "Just Jodi". She enjoys reading books sent by fans and listening to music by Lana Del Rey, Ayesha Erotica as pastimes. Jodi once won an American Idol styled singing contest while held in Maricopa County jail, Arizona with her "O Holy Night" rendition.