Analysis & Review: The Alleged Boston Terrorists

April 22, 2013 original publish date
Jan. 30, 2014 update. DOJ Announced Death Penalty Complaint (page bottom)
Apr. 8, 2015 update. Boston Terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Found GUILTY (ALL 30 COUNTS)
May. 15, 2015 update. Boston Terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Sentenced to Death

RT @FoxNews: BREAKING NEWS: #Tsarnaev sentenced to death. http://t.co/hWScBadQc5 pic.twitter.com/3mdSsWuURz

— KZ103 Radio Tupelo (@kz103) May 15, 2015

 

#BostonBombing killer Tsarnaev is guilty on all counts – will he get the death penalty? pic.twitter.com/p4ex5AUvcq

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 8, 2015

Analysis & Review: The Alleged Boston Terrorists

original article written by Net Advisor™

BOSTON, Massachusetts. Before we knew who the suspects were, where they are from, or what religion they profess, pretty much everyone called the bombing acts in Boston on April 15, 2013 an act of “terrorism.” President Obama didn’t explicitly call it an act of terrorism; instead, he said the FBI was investigating it as an act of terrorism.

[1] Audio of President Obama Describing Boston Attacks (MP3): (share link) (Source: NPR.org) We know at least 2 of the key players, where they are originally from, and the evidence is pointing that their religious faith was an influential part that drove their behavior.

[2] ‘Calling a Duck a Duck’
When doing research for this report over the last week, we noticed that a number of media articles did not call the attacks in Boston “terrorist attacks”; just like the attacks on Benghazi and 18 other U.S. Embassies that have been hit over the last 4 years have not been called “terrorist attacks” either. Even though the actions fit the definition of terrorism, we see that these current suspect(s) are not often called “terrorists” either; they are just called “bombers,” or some lessor form of action.

Problems cannot be solved if one isn’t willing to admit and accurately define the problem. To help out those in question of what happened, we have pulled the U.S. legal definition of terrorism, describe the background of suspect(s), the incidents that occurred, and bring the supporting data that will show these were not some mental boys gone wild scenario. The acts are terrorist attacks by definition.

[3] Terrorism Defined Under the Patriot Act
The definition of terrorism was expanded under the 2001 Patriot Act. The acts in Boston are classified as “domestic terrorism” under Title VIII, §802 of the 2001 Patriot Act.

” (a) Domestic Terrorism Defined.
–Section 2331 of title 18, United States Code, is amended– (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking “by assassination or kidnapping” and inserting “by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping”; (2) in paragraph (3), by striking “and”; (3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting; “and”; and (4) by adding at the end the following: “(5) the term ‘domestic terrorism’ means activities that– “(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; “(B) appear to be intended– “(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; “(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or “(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and “(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.”.”

— Source: Title VIII, §802 of the 2001 Patriot Act (bold emphases added) (view link only/view local PDF 132pps)

The use of explosives falls under Public Law 107-56 Oct. 26, 2001 (115 STAT. 379) 332a (“relating to use of weapons of mass destruction”), (P109) (view link only/view local PDF 132pps).

[4] The Alleged Known Domestic Terrorists
The FBI released images of brothers Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26 (formally “suspect #1, dark hat”) and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19 (formally “suspect #2, white hat”) who allegedly placed two “pressure cooker” (home-made bombs) containing explosives with “ball bearings and nails” on Patriots Day at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. The separate explosions went off one after the other where three people were killed and approximately 180 injured.

[5] Others Questioned
A third suspect, an unnamed woman was questioned but released. A Saudi national was acting “suspicious” immediately after the Boston attacks, was detained, and questioned by police. The Saudi national, Abdul Rahman Ali Alharbi, 20 was on a student Visa studying English in the U.S.

Ali Alharbi’s apartment was searched by U.S. officials and apparently found a large spool of yellow color-coated wire, took a large suitcase and backpacks with unknown items (link to photo).

When it was learned that Ali Alharbi was somehow tied the Saudi’s, an unknown Saudi official(s) managed an unscheduled meeting with President Obama. Sometime after the meeting, Ali Alharbi was no longer a suspect, but a “witness” to the Boston attack. The Obama Administration then arranged for immediate deportation of Ali Alharbi as to ‘not embarrass’ the Saudi government (report).

[6] Tamerlan Tsarnaev: Not a U.S. Citizen
Tamerlan Tsarnaev was born in Russia, and last attended school in the U.S. He was apparently studying to be an engineer at Bunker Hill Community College. Tamerlan was NOT a U.S. citizen. In 2009, Tamerlan was arrested for ‘assaulting’ (“battery”) against his then girlfriend (believed photo of her). The case was eventually dismissed with unusual twists.

Reading in-between the lines, it may appear that Tamerlan was seeing two women. One he got pregnant and subsequently married, U.S. citizen Katherine Russell, 24. The assault (battery) charge seems related to the other woman Tamerlan was seeing at the same time as Russell (Source: Breitbart).

Russell was also apparently assaulted (battered) by Tamerlan in 2009. Breitbart points to a CBS News report that according to his (former) friends, “Tamerlan became violent with Russell.”

“He (Tamerlan) became very violent with her (Katherine Russell) and was brainwashing her into converting into Muslim.”

— Source: CBS News (PDF)

Tamerlan and Russell have a three-year-old daughter named Zahara.

[7] Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Became a U.S. Citizen on 9/11/2012
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was born in Kyrgyzstan, and graduated from a local U.S. high school in Cambridge, MA. Both brothers lived in Chechnya and came to the USA some 10 years ago. Dzhokhar became a naturalized U.S. citizen, in 2012 ironically, on the anniversary of 9/11, and coincidentally the same day on the Benghazi terrorist attack in Libya.

[8] Terror Suspects Ambush Police Officer, Shoots at Another
The Tsarnaev brothers ambushed a MIT police officer. Officer Sean Collier, 26, of Somerville was reportedly sitting in his police cruiser when he was suddenly attacked with gun fire. The brutal attack happened so fast, Collier reportedly was unable to defend himself. He was shot five or six times, and once in the head. Officer Collier died at the scene (Source: CBS News, Boston PDF).

A second Boston Transit Authority police officer, Richard Donohue, 33 was also shot and as of our publishing date was reported “in stable but critical condition” and is using a ‘breathing machine’ (Source: USA Today).

After the Tsarnaev brothers ambushed, shot and killed MIT police officer Sean Collier, they stole his police cruiser then,

“(they) robbed a nearby 7-Eleven, carjacked a Mercedes SUV and briefly kidnapped the driver, the sources said. The suspects threw explosives out the window during the chase that followed…A Boston transit police officer was shot and wounded, authorities said.”

— Source: NBC News / PDF

[9] Suspect #1: Tamerlan Tsarnaev Killed in Gun Battle with Police
Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a shoot out with police, and died at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston at 1:35AM on 04-19-2013. His younger brother Dzhokhar, reportedly ran over Tamerlan, in a Mercedes SUV to get away from police after a massive shoot-out.

[10] Suspect #2: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Surrendered After Gun Battle with Police
After about 15 hours searching for him, Dzhokhar was hiding in a boat in someone’s backyard. He reportedly exchanged gun fire with police. Dzhokhar was shot in the leg from an earlier shoot-out, and suffered a single gunshot wound in the mouth to the back of the head (Source: Boston.com PDF). It is not known if this was a lucky shot by police or a suicide attempt. Dzhokhar eventually surrendered. He has been hospitalized, unable to speck and is well guarded (Sources: CBS Boston and CBS News PDF).

[11] Terrorist Ties? FBI Interviewed Tamerlan Tsarnaev Back in 2011
Reuters reported that the FBI interviewed Tamerlan Tsarnaev after a tip from the Russian goverment. The Russian goverment raised concerns that Tamerlan may have had some connection with radical Islam. At the time, the FBI felt there was no “terrorism activity” with Tamerlan.

What we know now, and that the FBI knew is that Tamerlan Tsarnaev had direct contact with Chechen rebel leader, Doku Umarov.

Last year, Tamerlan traveled to an unknown area in or around Russia and stayed for unknown purposes for six months before coming back to America.

UK media is reporting that Tamerlan had ties to ‘radical Islam’ extremist groups back home and raised questions about a particular Mosque he affiliated himself with in Boston.

“The FBI has confirmed that Russia alerted the agency in 2011 that the Chechen, who was killed by police in Watertown, Mass. on Friday, had ties to ‘radical Islam’ groups in his homeland. Homeland Security sources have also revealed the agency received tips in 2012 about the 26-year-old’s alarming ties to extremists connected to a Boston mosque.”

— Source: DailyMail.UK

The mother of the two terror suspects, Zubeidat Tsarnaeva lives in Russia said that her sons were effectively monitored by the FBI for “three to five years.” Their father, who also lives in Russia, refereed to his sons as “angels.”

Angels? Aside from alleged bombings, two officers shot, one killed, one or both of the Tsarnaev brothers also “hurled explosives at police from a stolen car” during their attempted escape from law-enforcement [Sources: CBS News and Hindu Times (PDF)]. Angles?

[12] Could Not Assimilate in America?
Ruslan Tsarni, an uncle of accused terror suspects, denounced the Boston terror actions, calling his nephews “losers,” and said that their religion had nothing to do with their behavior. Tsarni also said that his nephews had a hard time fitting in America despite living in the U.S. for some 10 years; Tamerlan since about age 16 and, Dzhokhar since he was about age 9.

“…the only motive he could think of for the attack was that the two young men were “losers” who were “not able to settle themselves” in America after arriving here.”

— said Ruslan Tsarni, Uncle of Tsarnaev brothers. Source: Washington Times

Let’s rip that argument in 2 sentences. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was an engineer student, had two girlfriends, leading to one wife, a child, an accomplished boxer, who once said he wanted to box for the U.S. Olympic Team (Sources: CNN and MCT Graphic).

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev graduated from a local U.S. high school, was a pool lifeguard at Harvard University and partied with soccer friends two days before and after the Boston attacks (Sources: CNN, Daily Mail.UK, Fox News PDF, The Sun.UK).

So two boys just could not “settle themselves” in America? Really?

Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained that the United States ‘underestimates the security threat posed by Islamist militants in Russia’s volatile North Caucasus.’

[13] Alleged Terrorists Used Social Media to Promote Religious Radicalism
Older brother Tamerlan appears to have been strongly influenced under radicalized Islam.

“…devout Muslim Tamerlan harboured extremist views and appeared to hold a powerful influence over his younger brother. Tamerlan spouted radical views online and posted the rantings of other extremists as well as videos praising Allah. He created a YouTube playlist titled “Terrorists”.”

— Sources: The Sun.UK (PDF) and DailyMail.UK (PDF)

[14] Not Likely That Tsarnaev Brothers Acted Alone
In our previous report, I briefly speculated on the various “who did it” questions. Among the discussion, I noted the possible age of the suspects, that they could be part of a group; not a high level group, but not likely alone.

After our 4-18-2013 report, CNN said on 04-20-2013 (PDF) that the Tsarnaev brothers acted alone, and there were no other “immediate suspects.” To be fair, CNN apparently quoted Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau based on what he knew.

What was not communicated is this: According to UK media, FBI agents had been looking for 12 others the FED’s believe are tied to the Tsarnaev brothers. In fact, 3 other people have already been arrested BEFORE Dzhokhar’s capture.

“More than 1,000 FBI agents were…working to track down the cell and arrested a man and two women 60 miles from Boston in the hours before Dzhokhar’s dramatic capture after a bloody shootout on Friday.

A source close to the investigation said: “We have no doubt the brothers were not acting alone. The devices used to detonate the two bombs were highly sophisticated and not the kind of thing people learn from Google.”

— Source: Mirror.UK (PDF)

What is not known yet is whether the above arrests are tied to the arrests of “foreign nationals” made by ICE in Massachusetts over “immigration violations” (Source: Breitbart). What is known are the first names of the other subjects believed to be ‘Azmat’ and ‘Diaz’. They were previously taken in to custody and questioned.

The two male subjects plus a female all in the their late teens to early 20’s are also foreign nationals allegedly from Kazakhstan, friends of the alleged Boston terrorists, were taken in this time for “immigration violations.”

Their apartment was raided by police due to the belief that one of the terrorists, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev once lived there. One of the persons arrested allegedly drove a BMW with a facsimile license plate that said, “Terrorista #1” (Source: DailyMail.UK Additional photos – PDF).

[15] Definition of Anyone Planning, Aiding Terrorist(s) are Also Deemed ‘Terrorists’
Under the 2001 Patriot Act §808 also defines one as a ‘terrorist’ including but not limited to 2339 (relating to harboring terrorists), 2339A (relating to providing material support to terrorists), 2339B (relating to providing material support to terrorist organizations) [Source: Patriot Act, (P109) view link only/view local PDF 132pps].

[16] U.S. Authorized to Seize Any and All Assets From Anyone Deemed as a ‘Terrorist’
The 2001 Patriot Act also expanded U.S. Code §981(a)(1) of title 18, authorizes the U.S. government to seize all assets anywhere in the world from anyone who was involved in the planning, and or aiding of those intending or who executed crimes under the Patriot Act:

“`(G) All assets, foreign or domestic– “(i) of any individual, entity, or organization engaged in planning or perpetrating any act of domestic or international terrorism (as defined in section 2331) against the United States, citizens or residents of the United States, or their property, and all assets, foreign or domestic, affording any person a source of influence over any such entity or organization; “(ii) acquired or maintained by any person with the intent and for the purpose of supporting, planning, conducting, or concealing an act of domestic or international terrorism (as defined in section 2331) against the United States, citizens or residents of the United States, or their property; or “(iii) derived from, involved in, or used or intended to be used to commit any act of domestic or international terrorism (as defined in section 2331) against the United States, citizens or residents of the United States, or their property.”.”

— Sources: Title VIII, §802 of the 2001 Patriot Act (bold emphases added) (view link only/view local PDF 132pps); Cornell Law School and United States Treasury (PDF).

[17] Defence Lawyer(s) Appointed to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
Defense lawyer(s) for 19-year old Dzhokhar will undoubtedly have a difficult time coming with some legal theory to avoid the death penalty for a naturalized U.S. citizen who knowingly and actively participated in acts of terrorism against the People of the United States.

Aside from the key events of the Boston bombing attacks that killed 3 and injured roughly 180 that alone he could be looking at terrorism charges discussed earlier; or a minimum of 4 murder charges (3 in the Boston attacks and the officer shot and killed in separate incident); plus about 180 or so attempted murder charges; use of a fireman to commit a felony (robbery of 7-11), discharging firearm(s) in public, possession and or discharging explosive devices “weapons of mass destruction” in Boston and during the man hunt for him; attempted murder of a law-enforcement officer (the second officer shot); and anything that the government can’t prove directly he could be tried as an accessory to all the crimes.

Massachusetts does not have a death penalty law (Source: CBS Boston).

I figured the defense lawyer(s) would try and argue his mental state and his youth. That will be an empty argument. There are plenty of witnesses who will be able to testify of his sound mind before and after the terror incidents as he partied with his friends before and after the Boston attacks.

Lawyers might argue that he was influenced by his bigger and stronger older brother, that he felt some obligation to him. Sorry, but there is no excuse for killing people in mass.

[18] Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Twitter Account
After reviewing Dzhokhar entire Twitter account, there are some statements that may give a little more insight to who Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is really about.

I’m not going to get too deep into behavioral analysis, rather focus on his overt actions (above). One can argue a person was “troubled”, etc, but that does not excuse their overt behavior to justify murder, mass murder or attempted murder. All psychopaths are “troubled.” We can make the same argument for terrorists’ behavior but terrorists have an underline cause of anti-western ideology and especially conflicting religious beliefs, as Dzhokhar was seemingly developing for some time, and his closet associations.

This is my take. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is a 19 year old recreational drug (pot) user, who apparently like his brother does not see women as an equal. His U.S. political affiliation clearly favors the liberal views; however his true affiliation grew to Islamic fundamentalism especially by last fall. These are not crimes per se (aside for the drug use), the rest are just observations.

Dzhokhar makes an argument that there is no relationship between terrorism and Islam. I have discussed this briefly on twitter in the past that when one leads with what something is not, this can suggest they are trying to cover for what they see is the obvious, and want others not to see it. By making such a statement, they are effectively giving away their true position, that an association, or causal relationship between ‘A’ and ‘B’ may actually exist.

Dzhokhar’s actions further support this ongoing debate between radical Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism that has existed for decades.

Last December 2012, Dzhokhar tweeted that he had an all-day meeting with a Muslim convert who may have had a further influence on Dzhokhar.

“I meet the most amazing people, spent the day with this Jamaican Muslim convert who shared his whole story with me, my religion is the truth”

— Dzhokhar tweeted, 12-31-2012

As for his mental state, Dzhokhar generally tweeted that he was in good spirits, yet he seems to have self-esteem issues (common with violent people). He posted a cartoon photo of a women being shot in the head with a shot gun, and refereed that this was “Duck Season.”

His goal this year was to get a girl pregnant so he could be a dad. Women seemed to be characterized more of an object or tool for him, as he was more interested in being a dad, and make no reference of having a loving stable relationship.

He has numerous dark messages referencing death and suicide, but seems to distance himself from that notion. He makes the assertion not to underestimate him, that he is a rebel with a cause.

“never under estimate a rebel with a cause.”

— Dzhokhar tweeted 03-10-2013

Dzhokhar favorite TV show seems to be “Breaking Bad.” He cited that he learned how to dispose of a corpse from the TV show. He seems to be interested in the gangster rapper culture based on some of his twitter references.

After reading over few hundred random tweets and profiles from the people Dzhokhar followed on twitter, many of those accounts are now locked – blocked from public view. Generally speaking, it seems that a fair number of people he followed seems to have heavy references to drinking, drugs (pot), high used of foul language, high use of slang, many references to the “N-word” (referring to each other) in a “cool-gesture.” Most all are young, immature, in some level of school, a fair number generally have a negative outlook about life; all are strong politically left-liberal, anti-establishment, and often speak before they think.

Some were surprised at Dzhokhar’s apparent actions; others touted his innocence, or reminded us that he is innocent until proven guilty, which that last part is technically correct.

He seemed to want to try and achieve the American dream in a sense where he was looking to trade up his current car to a BMW like one of his friend had. He further discussed that he seeks money (success), but this seems to conflict him too.

His religious beliefs are at odds of these views of America and success:

“I’m from the murder capital, where they murder for capital.”

— Dzhokhar tweeted in November 11, 2012

The after the Boston attacks, he apparently had been looking for something illegal as he solicited something from a person with a locked twitter account.

“@therealAbdul_ #heavy I’ve been looking for those, there is a shortage on the black market if you wanna make a quick buck, nuff said..”

— Dzhokhar tweeted, April 16, 2013

The twitter account of @therealAbdul has apparently been deleted or no longer showing posts since Dzhokhar’s arrest. However a captured image allegedly of @therealAbdul_ is shown below by another user.

Unfortunately a social network won’t give us all insight of the mind of a terrorist; however it does seem to suggest his brother was more militant in his Islamic views, and Dzhokhar was moving or moved in that direction based on his growing affiliations and eventual actions.

[19] Dzhokhar’s Social Network:
Here are a chronological order of selected tweets he posted from 2011 to 1 day AFTER the Boston terror attacks. His older version of his twitter account with his picture is here. His entire twitter account can be viewed here link only / PDF 81 pps).

• 2013-04-16 made reference trying to buy something from another twitter user on the “black market”
• 2013-04-15 made reference “those people are cooked” (after the attack. ref: home-made bombs)
• 2013-04-14 made reference against women
• 2013-04-10 made reference people are controlled by the media
• 2013-03-14 another dark/ death reference
• 2013-03-10 made reference – “never underestimate a rebel with a cause”
• 2013-02-13 made reference that he killed Abe Lincoln in his sleep
• 2012-02-13 made reference admitting that he is a criminal (so did many others -scary.)
• 2013-01-19 religious reference to Muhammad
• 2013-01-19 anti suicide message

• 2013-01-16 fav tv program: “Breaking Bad” (Ref: how to dispose of a corpse)
• 2013-01-15 made argument no connection to terrorism and Islam
• 2013-01-04 made cartoon reference to duck season (woman shot in the head)
• 2012-12-31 Met an influential Muslim practitioner
• 2012-12-24 reference conversion to Islam
• 2012-12-07 made inquiry asking if “Abdul” is coming (locked Twitter account)
• 2012-12-03 goal was to get a girl pregnant in 2013
• 2012-11-27 made reference to guns
• 2012-11-11 made reference to murder and was anti-capitalism
• 2012-11-07 made positive reference supporting President Obama’s 2012 re-election

• 2012-11-06 made reference Barack Obama supporter
• 2012-07-29 made reference has been sober for the last 10 days
• 2012-06-02 made reference may rise for the occasion (planning something big?)
• 2012-05-13 made reference being anti-police
• 2012-05-12 made reference to his Muslim religion
• 2012-04-29 made another reference to his Muslim religion
• 2012-04-25 made reference suggesting he has low self-esteem
• 2012-03-28 another reference to Islam
• 2012-03-26-made reference about apocalypse
• 2012-03-14 made reference to having death or disability

• 2012-03-14 made reference to “Chechnyan power”
• 2012-01-17 made reference about suicide
• 2011-11-15 made drug reference

[20] Trial Debated
Some U.S. Senators have argued to treat Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as an “enemy combatant” under terms of war, whereby he would have fewer rights or free legal counsel.

“The accused perpetrators of these acts were not common criminals attempting to profit from a criminal enterprise, but terrorists trying to injure, maim, and kill innocent Americans,” Senators John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, and Representative Peter King of New York said in a statement.

— Source: Reuters

As it turns out Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will tied as a U.S. citizen since he is legally a U.S. citizen as of 09-11-2012. His brother, had he survived, may have been charged as an “enemy combatant” since he was NOT a U.S. citizen.

[21] DHS Cites Border Security Risk. Over 17,000 “Special Interest” Illegals Arrested
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a report stating that of the 880,000 people captured from crossing into the U.S. illegally in the prior year 17,032 were from counties, “other than Mexico, Latin America, South America, or western islands.” Some had apparent affiliations or sympathy associated to terrorists’ organizations {Report, Point [34]}. We have no idea how many made it into the U.S. unchecked, or how many continue to pass through the borders (Full Report).

[22] Conclusion
I would have a difficult time buying into the notion that the Tsarnaev brothers acted alone as noted in our last report. Someone had to teach them how to make explosives, get materials, how to use them, get weapons, train them, finance their purchases, etc.

The Tsarnaev brothers were sophisticated enough to carry out the acts of terror, but don’t seem sophisticated enough to have come up with all this on their own without additional help or influence from a larger group or some tie to a terror cell in or outside the U.S., or both.

The U.S. really need to think hard when bringing those into the United States under student Visa, just visiting or by effort to naturalization and who may come from originating countries that have statistically come from governments or fractions of groups that have been associated with terrorism. This does not mean everyone should be listed a potential threat, it just means you should know who you let into your home before you open the door.

One fact remains, that these are not “homegrown” terror suspect(s). The information appears that these young men went out and consciously sought information and knowledge that fell under a very specific religious ideology. Whether that knowledge was taught by others within the USA who teach and subscribe to a radical ideology, or whether that knowledge was learned outside the USA, their alleged actions are not part of the USA nor American culture, nor do they represent what America is all about.
__________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: April 22, 2013
[23] Charges Filed Against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
At this time the FBI filed two charges against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev including “Use of Weapon of Mass Destruction” per 18 USC §2332a(a) and Malicious Destruction of Property Resulting in Death per 18 USC § 844(i). A full PDF copy of the charges can be read here.

We’re a bit surprised that the FEDs focused on two charges, making it more convenient for the media to discuss two topics and for the defense to argue. Still, it seems a difficult defense. Maybe the complaint will be amended later. I would have individually added a charge of murder, attempted murder (adding some 180 counts to the complaint) for each person injured or killed in Boston, including the police officers injured and killed, etc., which could be special circumstances. Since Massachusetts does not have a death penalty, is the worst thing that could happen to this guy is life without parole? I’m not a lawyer so what do I know?

It should be interesting to see who are going to be the “jury of his peers.” We will be following and updating periodically.

UPDATE: Jan. 30, 2014
[24] DOJ Announced Death Penalty Complaint Against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
The U.S. Department of Justice announced it would seek the Death Penalty against alleged Boston terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in the April 15, 2013 bombing during the Boston Marathon where three people were killed and approximately 180 injured.

Here is a copy of the Death Penalty Complaint (PDF).

UPDATE: Apr. 8, 2015
[25] A Jury Found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev GUILTY of ALL 30 Counts Against him. Next phase will be penalty which could be life in prison or death penalty. The first 17 counts are death-penalty related. Each of first 17 is death penalty eligible.

__________________________________________________________________________

Short link to this article: https://www.netadvisor.org/?p=17894
image credits: where noted unless original owner is unknown.
original content copyright © 2013-2015 NetAdvisor.org® All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Net Advisor™ has long followed global events, developed military strategy games, and in 1993 while attending a major private University, wrote a research report titled: “International Terrorism: Challenge to U.S. Intelligence.” Net Advisor’s reports on National Security and Terrorism can be found here.

Disclaimer: All parties named, linked, or otherwise mentioned directly or indirectly through public information and postings are not to be construed as associates or otherwise tied to, nor should be construed as suspects of any crime or other legal issues until charged as such and proven guilty in a court having jurisdiction over any apparent matter in legal question. General disclaimer.

NetAdvisor.org® is a non-profit organization providing public education and analysis primarily on the U.S. financial markets, personal finance and analysis with a transparent look into U.S. public policy. We also perform and report on financial investigations to help protect the public interest. Read More.

__________________________________________________________________________