Survivors, victims' families speak at Tsarnaev's sentencing

(MyFoxBoston.com) -- At least two dozen injured at the Boston Marathon bombings spoke at Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's official sentencing Wednesday.

They ask to be called survivors, not victims. At least 24 gave victim impact statements and a handful spoke outside court.

Father of Marc Fucarile, who lost a leg in the bombings, said the apology from Tsarnaev was a little too late. Fucarile was not in court, but his father said he still suffers daily.

<<Read the full text of the victim impact statements here>>

Liz Norden, mother of JP and Paul Norden who both lost a leg, says there was nothing Tsarnaev could have said that would have made what he did any less painful and she wasn't moved by what he said.

"I wanted a sincere sorry, I wanted to know, you know, but I don't think it really matters," she said.

Dic Donohue was gravely injured during the Watertown shootout and nearly bled to death. He was in court for much of the trial with his wife and predicted that Tsarnaev was going to speak.

"I'm still processing it but I'm really amazed that there was a statement and just a little bit of regret and remorse it might help people move on with things," he said.

Below are quotes taken from their victim impact statements:

Karen McWatters, friend of Krystle Campbell:

"Krystle's smile brought out the best in all of us...you will never understand the impact of our loss."

Sister of Sean Collier:

"It's hard to forget even for a minute that my family was ripped apart by hate that had nothing do with us."

Bill Richard, father of Martin Richard

“He chose hate, destruction. He chose death. This is all on him. We chose love. We chose kindness, peace.”

Officer Dic Donohue

"I can't care for my young son as I should, because of my injuries. Every day is a challenge."

Michael Chase, bombing survivor:

"I'm never going to get rid of the images of what I saw on Boylston, but I've been back many times."

Joseph Craven, bombing survivor

:

"I believe in the benevolence and goodwill of people. I ask you, Dzhokhar, to believe that as well" "

Henry Borgard, bombing survivor:

"I want my voice heard because there are five people whose voices are permanently silenced."

Scott Weisberg, bombing survivor.

"Our voices must be heard, our injuries are not going away. We must not be forgotten."

Meghan Zipin, bombing survivor:

" I came for first two days of the trial. The defendant sat there blank, never looking at us. I am the one alive, he's already dead."

Johanna Hantel, bombing survivor:

"I feel if we weren't running, this crime wouldn't occur. I blame myself. I feel it was my fault."

Jennifer Joyce Maybury, marathon bombing survivor Jeffrey Bauman's aunt

:

"The fear and anxiety never leaves you. It provokes some pain. Jeffrey does not find comfort in her prosthetics."

Jennifer Kauffman, Bombing survivor:

"I forgive you and your brother for the harm you have caused. I hope you will be brave enough to forgo your appeal."

Ed Fucarile, father of survivor Marc Fucarile:

"Your sentence should be as severe as possible. In the end you failed. As a city and country, we've become stronger."

Heather Abbott, bombing survivor:

"I didn't care much whether the defendant died in prison or by lethal injection, as long as he can never harm anyone else. That matters."

"I would like Tsarnaev to know that he did not break me - It is I and the other survivors who will be remembered for resilience."

Rebekah Gregory, bombing survivor:

"I was asked to give a victim impact statement, but I'd have to be someone's victim. I am not your or your brother's victim. You saw a video of my leg blown apart, did that make you feel good?"

“Terrorists like you do create mass destruction; do you know what mass destruction actually does? It brings people together.”

"Do you know how many foundations have been set up to help others? That's why it is so funny that you smirk."

“I can't believe you didn't think twice about wasting a precious life. We are Boston Strong. How's that for your victim impact statement?”

Cox Media Group