Lawyers for Islamic State NYC Terrorist Decry Testimony of Victims' Families

Lawyers for Sayfullo Saipov, who killed eight people on a Lower Manhattan bike path, argue that the prosecution is unfairly using victim-impact testimony to push for the death penalty.

"The government’s victim-impact evidence has been laden with emotional testimony, improper references to and characterizations of Mr. Saipov and his crime, and appeals to jurors’ emotions and sympathy for the victims and their plight," the lawyers wrote.

The request came late last week as the lawyers prepared to begin presenting evidence to support their arguments against the death penalty as early as Tuesday, when the trial resumes and prosecutors complete their presentation. If any juror votes against death, Saipov will serve a life prison sentence.