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CATANIA, Sicily (AP) — As aid agencies interview the handful of survivors from a boat that sank in the Mediterranean over the weekend, they're estimating that more than 800 people drowned aboard the boat packed with migrants trying to reach Europe. That would make it the worst incident of its kind ever in the Mediterranean. There were fewer than 30 survivors. They include two suspected smugglers, who are in custody.
BOSTON (AP) — The same jurors who convicted Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (joh-HAHR' tsahr-NEYE'-ehv) of all 30 charges against him in the Boston Marathon bombing are starting to hear evidence today on what his punishment should be -- life in prison or the death penalty. Defense lawyers have been portraying Tsarnaev's older brother as the mastermind. But prosecutors say they were equal partners in the bombing.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge is considering whether to release video that police say shows an officer fatally shooting an unarmed man in the back. The judge didn't indicate when she would rule after a hearing today. Hummelstown Police Officer Lisa Mearkle's defense is trying to prevent its release. Her lawyer says the video could unfairly influence the opinions of potential jurors in her homicide case. Authorities say Mearkle shot David Kassick twice in the back on Feb. 2 as he lay face-down. A video camera attached to her stun gun recorded the shooting.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — A former Alabama police officer is due in court on charges of violating the rights of an Indian man during a violent confrontation. Eric Parker is set for an arraignment hearing today before a federal magistrate in Huntsville. A defense lawyer says Parker will plead not guilty. Parker is accused of using unreasonable force against 57-year-old Indian grandfather Sureshbhai Patel (suh-RESH'-by pah-TEL') in February. Police video captured images of an officer slamming Patel to the ground face-fist. He's still recovering from injuries.
BOSTON (AP) — An inspirational Venezuelan man has become the last finisher of this year's Boston Marathon, crossing the finish line about 20 hours after he started. Maickel Melamed finished at about 5 a.m. today, after battling torrential downpours and thunderstorms for the last few miles. The 39-year-old Melamed has a form of muscular dystrophy that severely impairs his mobility. He was accompanied along the race by volunteers and was met at the finish line by dozens of cheering friends and supporters.
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