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Carmen M. Ortiz, center, U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts, is surrounded by law enforcement officials as she speaks to reporters after the verdict.(Photo: Stephan Savoia, AP)
BOSTON – Boston area residents unleashed a wave of strong feelings Friday afternoon as word quickly spread that a federal jury had sentenced Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death.
Some felt justice was done; others regretted that Tsarnaev was getting off easy. Through all of it came forceful sentiments reflecting how much pain and suffering the city has endured since the April 15, 2013, attacks that left three dead, 17 maimed and hundreds injured.
USA TODAY
Boston Marathon bomber sentenced to death
"I remember the vile, disgusting thing that this person did," said Michael Ward, an off-duty firefighter who helped victims on the day of the attacks. "He wanted to go to hell, and he's going to get there early."
Elizabeth Norden of Stoneham, Mass., shared how her family's suffering endures in the lives of her two sons, Paul and J.P., both of whom needed amputations after the attacks. But the verdict marked a type of progress.
"I have to watch my two sons put a leg on every day, so I don't know about closure," Norden said outside the courthouse. "But I can tell you it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I think there is some form of good feeling."
Some victims had hoped for a life-in-prison sentence. Melida Arredondo, a peace activist who was injured in the bombings, regretted that appeals in the case will now likely take years to play out.
"I have many conflicted emotions," Arredondo said. "This seems like another burden that will drag on."
Away from the courthouse, the city was abuzz with news of the verdict. Feelings were no less charged outside the South Station train terminal than they had been inside the courtroom.
"He should have had life in prison because I think he should suffer like everyone else had to suffer," said Michelle Cole, a culinary arts student from Quincy, Mass. "Why should he get the satisfaction of just ending, just like that? I think he should get tortured."
USA TODAY
Tsarnaev death expensive justice: James Fox
Impassioned comments also came from Edward Deveau, chief of police in Watertown, Mass. It was his officers who fought back against a barrage of gunfire and homemade bombs hurled by Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan, on the fourth night of the manhunt. Deveau attended the trial from start to finish, sitting in the galley every day and saying little. But on Friday, he let loose.
"There's been a lot of criticism of police officers around the country lately, but your local police department is out there fighting for you every day," Deveau said. Watertown "officers put their lives on the line to protect that community and make sure these terrorists didn't go down to New York City and kill more people."
Deveau said that in the wake of the verdict, it's time to think about the survivors, not the perpetrators.
"Those two brothers," he said, "we won't think about them anymore."
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BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGTsarnaev Sentencing: Column | 02:46After 10 grueling weeks of testimony, with over 100 witnesses taking the stand and over 700 exhibits, the long anticipated verdict is finally in: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is to be executed for his part in murdering four victims and injuring over 260 others Wochit
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGBombing victims react to Tsarnaev death sentence | 01:18A jury's decision to sentence Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death for his role in the deadly Boston Marathon bombing drew swift reaction from victims, family members and others whose lives were touched by the two blasts near the marathon's finish line. (May AP
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGBoston bombing: Major moments from trial in 45 seconds | 00:46Here are the facts in the case against Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, found guilty on all 30 counts related to the Boston bombing and sentenced to death. VPC
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGMass. residents debate penalty for Tsarnaev | 01:44As jurors deliberate whether Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev should be sentenced to death for his role in the deadly bombing two years ago, Massachusetts residents are split on the government's ultimate sentence. (May 13) AP
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BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGBoston jury to decide Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's fate | 01:24The jury began deliberating Wednesday whether or not Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will be put to death after both the defense and the prosecution delivered their closing arguments. VPC
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCING2 years on, mother reflects on Boston bombing | 01:06Liz Norden, the mother of two sons who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombing, says her boys are "really doing well" two years later. Norden is also hoping to help other amputees through a foundation called A Leg Forever. (April 15) AP
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGMcCaul: Tsarnaev warranted a 'second look' | 01:25The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says there was enough information about Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev for the FBI to reopen an investigation into his activities. (May 8) AP
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BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING TRIAL SENTENCINGBoston Marathon runners, supporters ready to move on | 01:14Two years after the Boston Marathon bombing, runners and supporters still feel the tragedy's sting, but are also excited about this year's race. VPC
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