Tsarnaev penalty phase opens with compelling testimony from survivors

Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev showed no emotion in the courtroom Tuesday for the start of the penalty phase of his trial. In contrast, prosecutor Nadine Pellegrini showed the jurors a photo captured on a surveillance camera in his cell three months after the bombings, making an obscene gesture with his middle finger.

The photo was part of the government's opening statements in the second phase of Tsarnaev's trial. According to MyFoxBoston, Pellegrini called it Tsarnaev's last message to America. 

"This is Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Without help," Pellegrini said. "He remains the unrepentant killer that he is."

During opening statements, Pellegrini told the jury that they would learn all about this case by learning about the four victims.

William Campbell Jr., the father of victim Krystle Campbell, who was killed in front of Marathon Sports, was called to the stand Tuesday afternoon.

"I never called her Krystle unless she did something wrong," he said. "I always called her princess ... she was every father's dream."

The jury was shown pictures from Krystle's life, including her prom picture.

When the bombs exploded in 2013, William recalled how he rushed to the hospital and was told that Krystle had survived, only to find out hours later that there was a mistaken identity, and that Krystle was gone.

"I miss my hug every day," he said. "She never left the house without giving me a hug."

The government also called survivors to the stand.

Celeste Corcoran lost both of her legs outside Marathon Sports. Her daughter Sydney, who was also injured in the blast, testified during the first phase of the trial.

"I thought I was going to die," Celeste said. "No one could go through that much pain. I thought, 'Is this it?' I remember thinking I wanted to die, the pain was too much." 

Then immediately, she said she thought, "Hell no. I don't want to die. Please don't let me die. I can't die. I need to live. "

Another survivor, Gillian Reny, was also near Marathon Sports on April 15, 2013. She identified herself in photos shown in court standing close to Krystle Campbell. On the stand, she described horrific injuries to her body.