The sentencing phase of the Zacarius Moussaoui trial has come to an end. The fate of Moussaoui, the admitted al-Qaeda terrorist who is the only man tried for crimes tied to the September 11 attacks, is now in the hands of the jury.
The jury will decide whether or not Moussaoui will receive the death penalty or spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance for parole.
In its closing statement, the prosecution asked for the death penalty to 'put an end to his hatred and venom.' Meanwhile, the defense asked that Moussaoui not be executed so he could not have the martyr's death that he seeks.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema thanked the attorneys on both sides for their work in a very difficult case. She particularly praised the defense who had to deal with a very uncooperative client.
'There never has been a defendant as difficult as this one,' she said, 'who did everything he could to undermine your efforts.'
Prosecutor David Raskin emphasized to the jury how Moussaoui seemed to take joy in the pain of the victims of 9/11. 'The defendant rejoices in all that pain,' he said. 'He loved it because he was responsible for it. He loved it because it meant to him, mission accomplished.'
Defense lawyer Gerald Zerkin tried to use reverse psychology on the jury, telling them that they would be giving Moussaoui exactly what he wants by executing him. Zerkin said Moussaoui's behavior 'is proof that he wants you to sentence him to death. He is baiting you into it. He came to America to die in jihad and you are his last chance.'
It is not known how long the jury will take to reach a decision.
