Robert Barnes

Robert Barnes testified for the defense on Day 53 about his acquaintance with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev through school soccer and his social encounters with Tamerlan. He described Dzhokhar as smaller and more reserved than his brother, and not someone he knew as angry or bullying. Recalling contact with Tamerlan around 2008 to 2011, Barnes described an outgoing, personable boxer who demonstrated his strength and once greeted him with friendly punches that hurt a little. He did not know whether Tamerlan intended to hit that hard.

Barnes focused on a December 2012 meeting at Angelo's, where Tamerlan wore longer garments and a beard and said he no longer drank or smoked with his former social circle. Barnes recalled emphatic discussion of religion and American foreign policy. When Albrecht challenged Tamerlan's views, Tamerlan argued close to him and poked his chest. Barnes thought Albrecht appeared frightened, but qualified that impression. The argument moved outside and eventually calmed. Barnes could not recall the exact wording about drinking or smoking, or the particular foreign-policy criticisms.

On cross-examination by William D. Weinreb, Barnes acknowledged that he was not close friends with Tamerlan, did not socialize with Dzhokhar, and did not know the brothers' relationship. He agreed that Tamerlan had not reacted violently or appeared offended by his disagreement, then clarified that he expressed it after the exchange with Albrecht. He confirmed that Albrecht continued arguing despite being younger and smaller. Barnes also acknowledged Dzhokhar's wrestling captaincy and competition against larger opponents. Asked whether Dzhokhar was easily pushed around, he answered about his wrestling skill. Barnes said he would not have testified without a defense subpoena.