UPDATE: According to Boston.com, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Carmen Ortiz released the following statement:
I have spoken with Bill and Denise Richard many times since the beginning of the case and I am aware of their views. My relationship with them, and with all of the victims and survivors, is very important to me. Over the past two years, I have heard from scores of survivors and victims about their feelings regarding this case. Many have strong views about the best way to proceed. Those views have been heard and have played a role—and continue to play a role—in the Department of Justice’s handling of this case. The attorneys in a criminal case are legally bound to keep many matters relating to the case confidential, even from the people most affected by the crimes. I therefore cannot comment on the specifics of the statement. But as I have previously assured both Bill and Denise, I care deeply about their views and the views of the other victims and survivors. As the case moves forward we will continue to do all we can to protect and vindicate those injured and those who have passed away.
The family of 8-year old Martin Richard, whose life was tragically taken during the Boston Marathon bombing, is opposed sentencing convicted bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to the death penalty. And they’re increasingly not alone.
In an essay published in the Boston Globe Friday morning, the Richards wrote that the trial, which produced close to 100 witnesses and innumerable pieces of evidence, will ensure justice. And, at this point, they feel a swift end to the legal proceedings, which could result in Tsarnaev spending the rest of his life in prison, would bring closure.
“We are in favor of and would support the Department of Justice in taking the death penalty off the table in exchange for the defendant spending the rest of his life in prison without any possibility of release and waiving all of his rights to appeal,” wrote the Richard family, in part. They continued:
We know that the government has its reasons for seeking the death penalty, but the continued pursuit of that punishment could bring years of appeals and prolong reliving the most painful day of our lives. We hope our two remaining children do not have to grow up with the lingering, painful reminder of what the defendant took from them, which years of appeals would undoubtedly bring.
According to a WBUR poll released on Thursday, which surveyed 509 registered voters in Greater Boston, there’s a growing sentiment among regional residents that, as also conveyed by the Richards, Tsarnaev should live out his days behind bars.
The data says that 58 percent support life in prison and that number actually spikes to 61 percent for those who live within the City of Boston.
Back in March, a similar WBUR poll determined that 49 percent of Greater Bostonians supported life in prison, but, conversely, for Boston residents, that number was 62 percent.
That one percent difference for Boston residents, though, falls within the 6.5 percent margin of error.
Tsarnaev was found guilty of all 30 federal counts brought against him, for which 17 are punishable by death.
Said the Richard family in closing, “We believe that now is the time to turn the page, end the anguish, and look toward a better future — for us, for Boston, and for the country.”
It’s unclear at this time if the Department of Justice will respond or adhere to the Richards’ wishes.
