Jurors begin deliberating charges against marathon bomber
In this courtroom sketch, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aloke Chakravarty is depicted pointing to defendant Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, right, during closing arguments in Tsarnaev's federal death penalty trial Monday, April 6, 2015, in Boston. Credit: AP Photo/Jane Flavell Collins
A jury has begun deliberations in the federal death penalty trial of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Jurors began considering 30 charges against Tsarnaev on Tuesday morning. They heard closing arguments Monday from prosecutors and Tsarnaev's lawyers, and instructions from Judge George O'Toole Jr.
Since Tsarnaev's lawyer admitted he participated in the deadly attack, Tsarnaev's conviction is a near certainty. After the jury reaches a verdict, the same jurors will hear additional evidence in a second phase of the trial to determine whether Tsarnaev should spend the rest of his life in prison or be executed for his crimes.
Prosecutors said Tsarnaev made a cold, calculated decision to place a bomb near the marathon finish line to punish America for its wars in Muslim countries.
Tsarnaev's lawyers acknowledged he played a role in the bombings but said it was his older brother, Tamerlan, who planned the attack.
LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
LI woman's accused stalker in court ... Blakeman discusses campaign priorities ... LI Works: Making stone countertops ... Westbury Gardens hosts Lego exhibit ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
