Walsh: Tsarnaev Will Take 'Coward's Way Out' With Death Penalty Appeals
BOSTON (CBS) – In his first public appearance since the death penalty verdict was handed out to Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Mayor Marty Walsh called Tsarnaev a "coward" and said he was not surprised by the jury's decision.
Read: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Sentenced To Death For Marathon Bombings
"Sad day all around. It doesn't bring back the four lost souls we lost on Marathon Monday," said Walsh on Saturday during a playground dedication in Dorchester.
"I think some people, if it gave some families some satisfaction and a little bit of healing I hope that works for everybody. What this guy did was terrible and I don't think there's any punishment too great for him. Just a sad situation."
Walsh spoke about the city's resiliency in the aftermath of the bombings, and added that "we in Boston have to be there for the survivors now more than ever."
Related: Marathon Bombing Survivors Relieved After Death Penalty Verdict
Boston's mayor did not offer his opinion on the death penalty decision, but said he was not surprised by the verdict.
Though Walsh said he is relieved that Tsarnaev will never see freedom again, he added that there is likely much more ahead by way of a lengthy appeals process.
"Unfortunately I don't think it's over," said Walsh.
"He's a coward to maim people the way he did, to murder people the way he did, him and his brother. He's a coward. So I think he's going to take the coward's way out and appeal, and appeal, and appeal."
WBZ legal analyst Harry Manion says the appeals process could be quicker because Tsarnaev is unlike any other death row inmate we've seen.
"This 12-to-15 years...I don't buy it," he said. "It's not just another death case. First of all, it's a terrorist death case. I can't think of another case (where) we have a confession of guilt in the opening statement. That's the differentiator."
The First Circuit court will hear the first appeal.
"They have one ground for appeal and that is Judge O'Toole's denial of three-to-four motions for change of venue," Manion says.
Then, the Supreme Court needs to agree to hear the appeal.
Manion believes the entire process may take 5-to-7 years.
