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Boston Marathon Bombing Suspect's Lawyers Want More Time In Death Penalty Argument

BOSTON (AP) — Attorneys for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzokhar Tsarnaev are formally asking a federal judge for more time to prepare arguments as to why their client shouldn't be subject to the death penalty.

In a brief filed Friday with the U.S. District Court in Boston, Tsarnaev's lawyers say the current Oct. 24 deadline set by the government doesn't allow for a "reasonable opportunity" to make their case.

Twin bombings at the April 15 marathon killed three people and injured more than 260.

Federal prosecutors have said they plan to make a recommendation about whether to pursue the death penalty by the end of the month to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who will make the final decision.

Prosecutors said at a recent hearing that they believe the defense has had ample time to respond.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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