Boston Bombing Survivor Speaks Out: Punishment Will Never Undo Tsarnaev’s Damage

Dzokhar Tsarnaev, convicted of 30 counts for the Boston bombing catastrophe, sat with his face down as the jury took over 20 minutes to say “guilty” numerous times. In the aftermath, however, there are survivors who still remember that tragic day. This includes Leo Fonseca, who recently spoke to Time magazine, detailing what he remembers and how he feels about the future outcome of Tsarnaev’s sentencing.

While Tsarnaev awaits a sentence that can either land him in prison for life or on death row, Fonseca, still dealing with the aftermath of the bombing, describes how his life changed after April 15, 2013.

As he was crossing the finish line, Fonseca vividly remembers hearing a loud boom. Although many people thought perhaps the noise was fireworks going off, it was a bomb explosion that knocked Fonseca and his friend, Kaitlynn Cates, to the ground.

Fonseca didn’t suffer any major injuries, but Cates’ right calf was shattered. Fonseca lifted her up and carried her to his car, where she laid in an alley until a stranger helped Fonseca lift her into the vehicle. She was rushed to the hospital, and although she survived the ordeal, she’s been through numerous therapy sessions and medical appointments.

Fonseca has run two marathons since the Boston bombing tragedy and continues on with his life, but justice for himself and others never left his mind. Fonseca felt relieved when Tsarnaev finally faced his crimes. But at the same time, he feels that there can never be enough punishment for what the former University of Massachusetts student did to scores of people.

“It seems like everyone I know has asked about where I stand on the punishment. Do I want “white hat” to be sentenced to death, or do I want him to spend the rest of his life in jail? My thought is that it really doesn’t matter. I feel that either is too good for him, and that regardless of whatever the punishment is, it will never undo all of the damage that he and his brother caused.”

Another survivor, Rebekah Gregory, of Richmond, Texas, spoke with KHOU shortly after the verdict was read. An emotional Gregory, who now lives with a prosthetic leg, stated that she is determined to be strong and not let the tragedy rule her life. At the same time, she’s extremely grateful that the jury found Tsarnaev guilty on all counts.

“I’m very thankful for each of the jury members. I may be standing here on one fake leg, but I’m standing here stronger than ever.”

When the verdict was read, Gregory finally found a sense of relief that the person who caused her so much pain is no longer considered an alleged bomber, but instead the “Boston bomber.”

The penalty phase of the Boston bombing trial is slated to begin early next week. The second phase of the trial will consist of the same jury that convicted him, which includes five males and seven females.

The tragedy of the Boston bombing left three people dead and 264 injured. It’s been called the worst terror attack in the United States since 9/11.