David Headley has no right to live: Kin of 26/11 US victims

As David Headley appeared before the court for his sentence hearing, American victims of the Mumbai terror attack said it would be an outrage if he was let off with just a 30 year imprisonment for his involvement in the massacre of 2008.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, with Headley present inside the court room, a teary-eyed Linda Ragsdale, who was shot in the back by a gunman while dining at the Oberoi Trident, told a federal court here that Headley must be made to bear the consequences of what he did.

"I feel that the magnitude of the killing that took place (in Mumbai), David Headley has no right to live. He must bear the consequences of (what he did?)... this would be morale outrage if David Headley got only 35 years," said Ragsdale.

Ragsdale, who is a children's book author and illustrator, witnessed several people being killed, including the father daughter duo of Alan and Naomi Scher who were travelling with her.

Weeping in the court room as she described the events of the day, Ragsdale told Headley: "I do not know you. I know you only from the testimony you gave in this courtroom. I have no understanding of how you choose this path. Your path is not my concern and justice is not my concern".

The Pakistani-American LeT terrorist was sentenced to 35 years in jail by the court later.

Earlier, Ragsdale read out a statement from Andreina Varagona, another witness to the attack.

"[T]wo gunmen came running into the packed restaurant, bullets flying. I remember hearing screams and saw all of us sitting there, frozen with fear. 'Everyone get under the table now', I shouted on instinct," read Varagona's testimony.

Varagona was dining with the Scherrs, describing what happened on that fateful day.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Boston suspect's widow hires criminal lawyer with experience defending terror cases

Salman Khurshid arrives in China on two-day visit

Pakistani army vows to protect voters in landmark election

Top US official headed to New Delhi to prepare for John Kerry visit