Prosecutor: Tsarnaev Friend Impeded Investigation

BOSTON (AP) — A federal prosecutor has told jurors that a friend of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev impeded the investigation into the bombing for one reason — to help Tsarnaev.

Azamat Tazhayakov is accused, along with his roommate, of removing a backpack, fireworks that had been emptied of their black powder and a laptop computer from Tsarnaev's dorm room at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth several days after the bombing.

During opening statements at Tazhayakov's trial Monday, a prosecutor told the jury that the two friends "got rid of" the items after seeing photos and video of Tsarnaev released by the FBI.

Tazhayakov's lawyer is expected to give his opening statement later Monday morning. Tazhayakov has pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges.

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