A US federal court on Monday commenced the procedure of jury selection that will be hearing the trial of Boston Marathon bombing accused Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
21-year-old Tsarnaev, who is a naturalized American citizen, could be awarded with the death penalty if convicted.
Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured after a pair of homemade bombs was blasted at the finishing line of a marathon, which was witnessed by a crowd of thousands of spectators, on April 15, 2013.
He has been pleaded not guilty to all the 30 charges against him.
Acknowledging the panel of 12 jurors and six alternates about the incident, US District Judge George O’Toole reminded them that their main job would be to consider only those evidence that are presented before the court during the trial that will last three-four months.
Briefing the group of 200 prospects, O’Toole said, “Tsarnaev is charged in connection with events that occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon that resulted in the deaths of three people as well as with the fatal shooting of a police officer three days later.
O’Toole also indicated that he would be allowing nearly three weeks time for the complete jury selection process that will decide upon whether Tsarnaev is guilty or what will be the quantum of sentence, if he is convicted.
The opening statements would commence around January 26, he said.
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