1st LD Writethru: Boston Marathon bombing trial begins
Xinhua, March 5, 2015 Adjust font size:
The trial began here Wednesday for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, an American citizen accused of carrying out the Boston marathon bombings in the U.S. state of Massachusetts nearly two years ago.
According to the indictment, Tsarnaev, 21, was accused of 30 charges in connection with twin bombings at the finish line of the famed marathon on April 15, 2013, including conspiring with his older brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev to detonate powerful home-made bombs killing three people and maimed more than 260 others. He was also charged in the killing of a police officer three days later while he was on the run.
If convicted, Tsarnaev could face the death penalty.
The other suspect, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, was killed in confrontation with the police.
Prosecutors are expected to focus on the appalling recounting of survivors and their families. The evidence included graphic videos at the spot and autopsy photos, local news reports said.
After a lengthy selection that lasted for about two months, an all-white jury consisting of eight men and 10 women was sworn in Tuesday. They would form the panel of 12 jurors and six alternates who will hear the trial that is said to last for months.
The court decision could be expected in June. Endite