Potential jurors first came face to face with Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in court this morning, Jan. 5. Within the next three days as many as 1,200 people will be called into federal court to be viewed as potential jurors. Only 12 jurors and six alternates are needed, but it will likely take a deep pool to find that many people have not already formed an opinion on Tsarnaev's involvement in the twin bombing and events shortly thereafter on April 15, 2013, which resulted in three deaths and injuries to 260 people.
According to Yahoo News, Monday begins what will likely be a gruesome and difficult trial that will last for months. It was also only the second time in 18 months that Tsarnaev has seen the light of day.
"Appearing in court Monday morning for only the second time in 18 months, Tsarnaev, with a short beard and shaggy hair, was seated in front of the first 200 of 1,200 prospective jurors in the case who quietly stared at the suspected bomber as presiding Judge George O'Toole explained the selection process," said Yahoo.
"O'Toole told the jurors the trial is tentatively scheduled to begin Jan. 26 and is expected to last three to four months. As he spoke, Tsarnaev, who was dressed in khaki pants and dark sweater, stared mostly at the table, looking up occasionally at the judge and out towards the prospective jurors. He could be seen drumming his fingers on his chair underneath the table," said Yahoo.
The defense representing Tsarnaev had originally requested that this trial's location be changed because they believe it is unlikely he can get a fair trial in a venue where so many were directly affected. That motion was shot down and then the defense also refused to sign a plea agreement because prosecutors refused to take the death penalty off the table.
Many insiders believe this case is not ultimately going to be about guilt. Instead, what is really at stake is whether or not Tsarnaev will get the death penalty.
