Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, sentenced to death, tells victims: ‘I am sorry’
Speaking for the first time publicly about the bombs he and his brother set off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon two years ago, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev apologized.
"I am sorry for the lives I have taken, for the suffering I caused, for the damage I have done -- the irreparable damage,” he said at his formal sentencing, after a parade of victims and their relatives delivered emotional remarks about the lasting damage suffered after the attack at the finish line of the 2013 race.
Tsarnaev, referred to only as "the defendant" by victim after victim, had remained still throughout their remarks. He gave no sign that he was listening as runners and spectators spoke of invisible injuries and the horror of learning that loved ones were grievously wounded.
One woman confessed to remaining too afraid to sleep, but went on to say she had forgiven Tsarnaev.
Other victims expressed anger. Elizabeth Bourgault, who ran in the race, told those gathered: "The defendant will now die for what he did. Whatever God the defendant believes in will not welcome him."
A prosecutor had to help hold up Liz Norton, whose two children were gravely injured. "Who could harbor so much evil and so much hate?" she asked Tsarnaev.
Jennifer Maybury, whose nephew lost both legs, told him: "That day changed the course of an entire family."
The court appearance gives Tsarnaev one last chance to explain publicly why he and his brother, who was killed during the manhunt, carried out the attack that killed three and injured more than 260.
The Times’ Richard A. Serrano is reporting live from the court:
READ MORE: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will have a last chance to speak publicly at his formal sentencing
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