Opening statements to begin in Boston Marathon bombing trial

BOSTON (TNS) — Two years after the Boston Marathon terror attack, the federal jury that will decide whether Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lives or dies was sworn in Wednesday morning and government prosecutors prepared to lay out their evidence in the bombing attack at the finish line of the annual racing event.

The courthouse was filled with spectators and some relatives of the three people who were killed and more than 260 injured in the twin explosions shortly before 3 p.m. on April 15, 2013. It was the worst terror attack in the U.S. since the Sept. 11, 2001, plane attacks orchestrated by al-Qaida.

Outside the federal courthouse on Boston Harbor, several protesters held signs saying the “Death Penalty Is Murder.” Inside the courthouse, long lines snaked through the lobby as security officers checked briefcases, computer bags and other items before permitting anyone to enter the building or visit Judge George A. O’Toole Jr.’s courtroom on the third floor.

The government’s opening statements could provide critical insights into the case because 90 percent of the court file remains sealed from the public, leaving questions unanswered about how Tsarnaev and his older brother, Tamerlan, allegedly plotted the attack and built the pressure-cooker bombs. Their statements may also shed more light on what the FBI did in following up on Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s trip abroad, where he allegedly became radicalized.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed as police attempted to capture him in 2013.

The defense is asserting that the younger brother was under Tamerlan’s spell and not a key player in the bombings. They also refute government suggestions that surveillance tapes show their client purposely placing his bomb next to an 8-year-old boy. That child, Martin Richard, was killed. The defense also maintains that for the government, this case will be won or lost during the sentencing phase. If Tsarnaev is convicted, he would receive the death penalty or life in prison with no parole.

The 18 jurors and alternates were chosen Tuesday. They are mostly middle-aged Boston area residents - a restaurant manager, a nurse and two social workers. Some are unemployed. All agreed during jury selection that they could sentence the 21-year-old defendant to death if he is convicted.