Tsarnaev Defense Hopes to Dodge Death Penalty

The Boston Marathon bombing trial is now in its second day, with the defense attorney for Dzhokar Tsarnaev already admitting her client's guilt.

The trail began with prosecutors sketching out the horrors of the 2013 Boston Marathon attack. They showed never-before-seen video of the deadly blasts and images of desperate life-saving attempts.

Prosecutors accused the 21-year-old of planting an explosive designed to "tear people apart and create a bloody spectacle."

"He believed that he was a soldier in a holy war against Americans," Assistant U.S. Attorney William Weinreb said.

About two dozen victims also appeared in court Wednesday, describing the events that left more than 260 injured and three others dead.

Among the dead was 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was standing with his family just feet from where the suspect was seen dropping a backpack containing one of the two bombs.

Judy Clark, Tsarnaev's lawyer, began her statement with a bold opening.

"It was him," she told the jury.

She argued that he committed the crime under the influence of his older brother, Tamerlan. Her argument was aimed at saving Tsarnaev from the death penalty, not a not guilty verdict.

"Given the amount of evidence the government has, I would suggest it's the only strategy," Robert Bloom, a law professor, said.

Tsarnaev is facing 30 federal charges, 17 of which carry a possible death sentence.