Boston Marathon bomber’s lawyers prepare case for life

This April 15, 2013 forensics photograph made by the FBI, and provided Thursday, April 23, 2015, by the U.S. Attorney's office, and presented in federal court as evidence during the penalty phase of convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's trial, shows the scene where the second bomb exploded on Boylston Street near the marathon finish line in Boston. Three people were killed and more than 260 others were wounded when twin bombs exploded. The prosecution rested its case Thursday during the penalty phase of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's trial after playing a video showing a mother crouched over her 8-year-old son and resting her head on his chest as he lay dying. (U.S. Attorney's Office via AP) This April 15, 2013 forensics photograph made by the FBI, and provided Thursday, April 23, 2015, by the U.S. Attorney's office, and presented in federal court as evidence during the penalty phase of convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's trial, shows the scene where the second bomb exploded on Boylston Street near the marathon finish line in Boston. Three people were killed and more than 260 others were wounded when twin bombs exploded. The prosecution rested its case Thursday during the penalty phase of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's trial after playing a video showing a mother crouched over her 8-year-old son and resting her head on his chest as he lay dying. (U.S. Attorney's Office via AP)

By Associated Press April 26, 2015 4 min read

BOSTON (AP) – Lawyers for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will begin presenting witnesses this week in the penalty phase of his trial as they try to make their case that he should be sentenced to life in prison – not death – for his role in the deadly 2013 attack.

Tsarnaev was convicted of 30 federal charges in the twin bombings that killed three people and injured more than 260 on April 15, 2013. Seventeen of the charges carry the possibility of the death penalty.

Prosecutors called 17 witnesses over three days, mainly victims who lost loved ones or limbs in the explosions. The defense case begins Monday in federal court. Here are some things to expect:

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DEFENSE STRATEGY