Skip to content
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev— Case Archive
2015 Federal Trialtrial-daytrial-dayverdictDay 65 - May 15, 2015The jury unanimously selected death for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on six counts. All 12 jurors confirmed the verdict in an individual poll before the court discharged the jury.
← Day 642015 Federal TrialDay 66 →

Day 65 - May 15, 2015

Jury Selects Death on Six Counts, Confirms Verdict in Poll, and Is Discharged

Judge George A. O'Toole Jr.
3Proceedings
2Pages
0Witnesses
63Lines
Day 65 of 67

The jury unanimously selected death for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on six counts. All 12 jurors confirmed the verdict in an individual poll before the court discharged the jury.

Full day summary

The clerk read the jury's penalty-phase findings and unanimous selection of death for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on counts 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, and 15. The jury found numerous aggravating factors but did not unanimously find the factor concerning statements suggesting justification for additional violence and terrorism. All 12 jurors found that Tsarnaev was 19 at the time of the offenses; three found that he acted under his older brother's influence, and two found that he expressed sorrow and remorse. After the court announced that jury service had ended, Bruck requested a poll. Each of the 12 jurors individually confirmed the verdict. The court then explained that media interviews were optional and that parties, attorneys, and their agents needed prior express permission to approach jurors. It asked jurors to respect the privacy of deliberations and discharged the jury. Tsarnaev was remanded to the marshal's custody, and the court anticipated a status conference before adjourning.

1. Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Poll

The jury’s penalty-phase verdict on Day 65 unanimously selected death for six counts. All 12 jurors confirmed the verdict when polled.

→
Procedural
Juror Admonition and Resumption of Deliberations
13 lines
Verdict
Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Poll
43 lines

The jury unanimously selected death on six capital counts. At the defense's request, all 12 jurors individually confirmed the verdict.

Highlights

Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Polljury eventThe mitigation findings show differing levels of juror agreement: all 12 find the defendant was 19 at the time of the offenses, three find he acted under his older brother's influence, and two find he expressed sorrow and remorse.Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Polljury eventThe jury unanimously selects death for counts 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, and 15. At the Court's direction, the clerk reads the final sentencing determination, and the foreperson and jury confirm the verdict.Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Poll“With regard to the above listed counts, we vote unanimously that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev shall be sentenced to death as to each count.”— [court clerk]The clerk reads the jury's unanimous death determination for the six counts identified immediately beforehand.Penalty-Phase Verdict and Jury Polljury eventAfter the Court announces that jury service has ended, Bruck requests a poll before further remarks. Each of the 12 jurors individually confirms the recorded verdict.

2. Jury Discharge and Post-Verdict Guidance

The court discharged the jury, gave guidance on media contacts and deliberation privacy, and restricted approaches by parties and counsel. The defendant was remanded to the marshal’s custody.

→
Procedural
Jury Discharge and Post-Verdict Guidance
7 lines

The court discharged the jury, explained disclosure and contact rules, and remanded the defendant to the marshal's custody.

Highlights

Jury Discharge and Post-Verdict Guidancejury eventThe court discharged the jury, which left the courtroom at 3:41 p.m.
← Day 642015 Federal TrialDay 66 →