Latest on Boston Bombing Trial: Judge Say Tsarnaev's Fate is Up to Jury

May 13, 2015 9:45 a.m. (AP) - The federal judge overseeing the trial of the Boston Marathon bomber has told jurors they only have two choices for punishing Dzhokhar Tsarnaev — life in prison without the possibility of release or the death penalty.

U.S. District Judge George O'Toole Jr. told the jury Wednesday: "The choice between these very serious alternatives is yours and yours alone to make."

The jury is the same one that convicted Tsarnaev last month of all 30 counts against him. Jurors could begin deliberations later Wednesday.

All 12 jurors will have to agree on the death penalty for it to be imposed. If just one balks, Tsarnaev will be sentenced to prison.

Three people were killed and more than 260 injured when bombs exploded near the finish line April 15, 2013.

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9:20 a.m.

Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is back in federal court for closing arguments from prosecutors arguing he should be executed and defense attorneys hoping for mercy and life imprisonment.

Tsarnaev is sitting between his lawyers at the defense table and appears to be looking through some papers, while resting his face on his hand.

Prosecutors have portrayed Tsarnaev as a callous, unrepentant terrorist who carried out the deadly 2013 attack with his radicalized older brother, Tamerlan. They say he deserves the death penalty.

Tsarnaev's lawyers admitted he participated in the bombings but told the jury he was heavily influenced by Tamerlan.

Three people were killed and more than 260 injured when twin bombs exploded near the finish line. The jury could begin deliberating later Wednesday.

(Story by: The Associated Press)