Death Sentence For Boston Bomber

A jury has handed down the death penalty to Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Tsarnaev was charged with 17 capital offences, and convicted in April on 30 charges in all.

The jury was unanimous on many of the statuatory aggravating factors, that were considered during the deliberations on the death penalty.

CNN's Jeff Toobin says the 21-year-old former university student is almost certain to appeal.

"I don't think it is out of the question that this case could be overturned on appeal, but it is important to remember that most cases are not overturned on appeal."

The fate of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was deliberated for the past two days.

His guilt was not in question, jurors were making a choice between sentencing him to death, or life in prison.

Former Internet Party leader Laila Harre was taking part in the Boston Marathon on the day of the bombing.

She crossed the finish line just minutes before pressure cookers packed with explosives blew up.

But despite the horror of what happened, she says she can't conceive of supporting the death penalty.

"This city is a civilised city and for them to put someone to death is unbelievably sad."

Governor Charlie Baker says people who've come back to run in the event again are an inspiration, as are those close to the tragedy.

"I've had a chance to talk to several of the families that lost family members on that day. Their positivity and their ability to find perspective in all this, I think it's extraordinary."

Story: Newstalk ZB