The Court ruled on documentary evidence and limits on expert testimony. Defense witnesses read reports concerning Tamerlan, described both brothers' ambulance treatment, and recalled Dzhokhar's school and college years. Cross-examinations addressed the limits of witnesses' knowledge and Dzhokhar's independence.
Full day summary
The Court addressed the scope of Professor Reynolds's proposed testimony and several documentary exhibits. It found the proposed expansion into computer materials beyond the disclosed scope and too late for his scheduled morning appearance, while allowing postponement as an alternative. It said it would admit Kartashov's interview report with a caution about reliability and weight; particular redactions remained unresolved. The Court also directed redactions to congressional reports and allowed notebook translations for a non-truth purpose. Attribution of the notebook writing to Tamerlan remained disputed.
Sonya Petri read reports describing Russian warnings about Tamerlan, the FBI's 2011 assessment that found no links to terrorism, and subsequent watchlisting and travel. She also read Kartashov's reported account of Tamerlan's interest in jihad and their religious arguments, followed by translated religious and combat-related passages. These were document readings, not Petri's personal observations. The Court reminded jurors that the interview summary recorded statements rather than findings and differed from live testimony subject to cross-examination.
Paramedic Michael Sullivan described Tamerlan's apparent gunshot and shrapnel-type wounds, consciousness, suspected shock, and resistance to treatment during transport. He explained that such anxiety was a typical response to hypoxia or shock. Paramedic Laura Lee described Dzhokhar as initially stable, awake, and alert after his capture, able to follow commands and answer medical questions. She attributed his becoming loud during leg treatment to an uncomfortable, tight bandage applied by someone else. She qualified her testimony that he did not attempt to leave by noting that he was strapped in and handcuffed.
Sam Lipson and former teachers described Dzhokhar's childhood and schooling. Lipson acknowledged that his impressions rested chiefly on childhood encounters and that he could not describe the brothers' relationship. Catheryn Charner-Laird, Tracey Gordon, and Rebecca Norris recalled academic ability, effort, friendships, and responsiveness to guidance. Rachel Otty tentatively identified a displayed paper as homework responding to an assigned article about predator drones. She remembered Dzhokhar only a little and did not confirm counsel's suggestion that he concealed his opinions. The Court expressly stated that a further unanswered question was not evidence. Otty and Model United Nations advisor Brendan Kells explained that assigned positions did not necessarily reflect students' personal beliefs.
College friends Tiarrah Dottin and Alexa Guevara described favorable experiences with Dzhokhar. On cross-examination, Dottin agreed that he was independent and could say no, but also described him as private; she did not know about the extremist media counsel asked about. Guevara recalled his educational plans, support for her artwork, and a spring-break outing where he retrieved fireworks and jumped through sparks. The Court limited questions about Tamerlan, whom she had never met. Her cross-examination was deferred until the next morning.