Govt. wraps case in Tsarnaev penalty phase
By: Samantha Lavien
Twitter: @SLavienABC6
The Government has wrapped up its case in the penalty phase for convicted marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
The third day of the penalty phase was another incredibly emotional one.
Three survivors were among those called to the stand.
Newport resident Heather Abbott recounted the moments after the explosions for the jury. “I felt as though my foot were on fire…I was in excruciating pain. I knew something was wrong and I knew I couldn’t get up off the ground,” said Abbott.
Abbott explained that she made the choice to amputate her leg below the knee after doctors tried unsuccessfully to salvage it. She calls this one of the hardest decisions of her life.
Marc Fucarile told the jury that one of his legs was instantly severed in the bombings. He said, “I’m told I handed it to a firefighter, but I don’t recall.”
Fucarale has had 60 plus surgeries in the 2 years since the attacks. And, he says it’s likely his other leg will soon have to be amputated.
Survivor Steve Woolfenden, whose leg was sheered off in the bombings, was the Government’s last witness.
He was at the marathon with his then 3 year old son.
Woolfenden told jurors he was next to the Richard family as Martin lay gravely injured. He recalled hearing Denise Richard pleading for Martin to respond.
Of the 8-year-old’s condition Woolfenden said, “His hair was singed, his eyes were rolled back and his mouth was agape.”
The Government ended their questioning showing video of Denise Richard rocking back and forth over Martin who was dying in the sidewalk.
Several of those survivors on the stand Thursday tried to make eye contact with Tsarnaev. He did not look at them.
A Mass General trauma surgeon and an FBI photographer were also called to testify.
The Defense is expected to start their case on Monday.
(C) WLNE 2015
