Johanna Hantel

Johanna Hantel delivered an unsworn victim impact statement at sentencing on Day 67. She said she had been running the Boston Marathon about ten feet from the first bomb when it exploded. She described injuries including broken and dislocated fingers, a ruptured eardrum, hearing loss, shrapnel wounds, and a traumatic brain injury, followed by continuing difficulties with memory, concentration, speech, balance, and fatigue.

Hantel said her injuries had left her unable to qualify for Boston and described persistent guilt because she felt the spectators had been attacked while supporting runners. She said the trial, conviction, and sentencing had revived painful memories rather than brought healing or closure. Addressing Tsarnaev, she said she had come to peace with him and hoped he would do something good with his life. She nevertheless resolved to continue running Boston even if she could no longer qualify.