3 of Lead Suspect’s Friends Charged with Federal Crimes
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been formally arrested and charged with federal crimes in the Boston Marathon bombing, and now three of his closest friends have also been arrested.
Robel Phillipos, Dias Kadyrbayev, and Azamat Tazhayakov, all 19 years old, have been arrested and charged with federal crimes for obstruction of justice. The three reportedly concealed and destroyed evidence found in Tsarnaev’s dorm room, including firecrackers, a laptop, and backpacks.
Robel Phillipos is also charged with willfully making materially false statements to federal law enforcement officials during the terrorism investigation.
Kadyrbayev and Tazhayakov both reportedly waived their right to bail at their federal court arraignment on Wednesday, May 1. They will be back in court on May 14th.
Phillipos waived his right to a detention hearing and will be back in court Monday, May 6th.
Investigation into the three revealed that Tazhayakov was in the US on an expired student visa, and as he was no longer in school he was not eligible for a new one. Both he and Kadyrbayev face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines each. Phillipos also faces $250,000 in fines, but could spend as much as eight years in federal prison.
Federal Crimes Charges for Boston Marathon Bomber’s Friends
According to a complaint issued on Wednesday, May 1, Tazhayakov and Kadyrbayev admitted to federal investigators that they agreed to dispose of Tsarnaev’s backpack, “after concluding from news reports that Tsarnaev was one of the Boston Marathon bombers.”
On April 18th, the FBI released photos of the suspected bombers, and Kadyrbayev allegedly texted Tsarnaev “that he looked like the suspect on television.” Tsarnaev responded, “lol, you better not text me.” An hour later, he texted to Kadyrbayev “come to my room and take whatever you want.”
The three suspects went to Tsarnaev’s room, and his roommate let them in. The roommate said that Tsarnaev had left a couple of hours earlier, so the three stayed and watched a movie. According to the complaint, it was during that time that they spotted a backpack filled with firecrackers.
“The fireworks had been opened and emptied of powder. Kadyrbayev knew when he saw the empty fireworks that Tsarnaev was involved in the Marathon bombing,” the complaint stated.
Kadyrbayev removed the backpack from the room, along with some Vaseline and Tsarnaev’s laptop. The three went back to Kadyrbayev and Tazhayakov’s apartment, and after watching more of the news, decided to throw the evidence away. They put everything in a black trash back and put it in the dumpster, and watched on Friday afternoon as a garbage truck took it away.
Phillipos initially told FBI investigators that he did not recall going to Tsarnaev’s dorm room that night, then later admitted that he had gone there, omitting the part where he and his two friends entered and found evidence. Only six days later, he recanted.
Prosecuting Federal Crimes in South Carolina
If you or a loved one are the victims of a serious crime, including terrorism, kidnapping, or theft, it is important that you take the person who hurt you to court – whether it is a federal criminal trial, or personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have been based in Columbia, SC for 16 years, and are also licensed to practice in Georgia and New York. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so do not hesitate to contact us for help. 803.252.4800.
