Federal Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty Against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty to charges.

Image via FBI

Federal prosecutors announced today that they will push for the death penalty against accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

According to the Associated Press, Attorney General Eric Holder made the final decision. "After consideration of the relevant facts, the applicable regulations and the submissions made by the defendant’s counsel, I have determined that the United States will seek the death penalty in this matter. The nature of the conduct at issue and the resultant harm compel this decision," Holder explained in a statement.

Tsarnaev, 20, and his brother, Tamerlan, 26, are allegedly responsible for the Apr. 15 blasts that killed three people and wounded over 260 at the Boston Marathon. Authorities say the Tsarnaev brothers, residents of the Boston area for nearly a decade prior to the incident, placed two pressure cooker bombs near the finish line. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a shootout with police on Apr. 19.

Tsarnaev was indicted on 30 charges, 17 of which carry the possibility the death penalty. He pleaded not guilty in July. The U.S. Attorney's office in Boston can now request a trial date, and the death penalty can factor into negotiations for plea deals.

[via Associated Press and Boston Globe]

RELATED: Boston Marathon Bombing Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Pleads Not Guilty to 30 Counts 
RELATED: Boston Bombing Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Indicted 

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