(NECN: Kathryn Sotnik, Boston) - For some Boston Marathon victims and their relatives, word that prosecutors will seek the death penalty against surviving bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is welcome news.
"I believe that this is the best decision, for a lot of reasons," said Peter Brown.
Brown is the uncle of Paul and JP Norden, both of whom lost their right legs when the second bomb went off in April.
"If you're going to try to commit these types of acts, terrorist acts, then you're going to be held accountable, and if it means the death penalty, then it means the death penalty," said Brown.
Spectators Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lingzi Lu were killed in the bombings. MIT Officer Sean Collier was also killed days later while the search for the suspects was ongoing.
Victim Steve Byrne was also at the finish line with friends.
In his eyes, he says death is too quick and easy for Tsarnaev.
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"Obviously, I do agree with it, because death is death, but in my own eyes, and what I would like to see is, he's a 19-year-old kid. He's got a long, healthy life ahead of him, and personally, I'd like to see him sit in prison for 50, 60 plus years dealing with that," said Byrne.
Another victim, Jarrod Clowery, suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds.
He said he "feels bad for" the people who have to work on the case including prosecutors, but that "it's a necessary thing in our society."
As for the Norden brothers, Brown points out, no punishment will ever bring back the victims or make the pain go away.
Many lives are now changed.
"Everything is different for them right now, it's just different," said Brown. "Although they're on their prosthetic legs and they're able to get around, everything is different," said Brown.
Many of the victims and family members say they also plan to be at the trial.
