The Boston Marathon Bombings stunned the nation exactly one year ago today.

The anniversary of the tragedy saw many journey to the city of Boston, Mass. from around the world in order to honor the victims and their families.

Though the major tribute planned for this afternoon is receiving much of the media and public attention, it is inevitable that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev will filter into discussions throughout the day.

The shadow of the bombing suspect looms large even as millions in Boston and the surrounding area vow to move on with their lives.

Tsarnaev and his older brother Tamerlan are blamed for the fatal bombings that killed 3 people and injured 264 others.

Where the case against Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev stands #BostonStrong http://t.co/T9Qgh0b8Mn pic.twitter.com/mnWGcvzSYd

— Tricia Escobedo (@triciaCNN) April 15, 2014

Tamerlan did not survive the pursuit by local and federal law enforcement officials, but Dzhokhar Tsarnaev did.

His trial is set to begin on November 3rd of this year. It’s no secret that the suspect is facing the death penalty if convicted.

As emotional as this trial will likely be for all touched by the tragedy, already there is a debate emerging as to whether the suspected terrorist should be put to death or given life imprisonment.

The death penalty is one of the most divisive topics in America. It has largely fallen out of favor in the Western world and the United States is thought to be one of a scant number of industrialized nations where prisoners are still executed.

NOT GUILTY? NOT GUILTY?! YOU PIECE OF SHIT. Life in prison? Nah… I say firing squad. http://t.co/QaY7XwZrj9

— Jessica Tyrrell (@JRELx) July 11, 2013

Remember he tried to kill himself. life in prison > death penalty for Boston Bombing suspect http://t.co/A8AOAuuPQ2

— Ryan McDonald (@mcdonaldry) January 30, 2014

Executing Dzhokhar Tsarnaev may also give him exactly what he wants: martyrdom.

Some argue that long term fame for Tsarnaev is inevitable regardless of the outcome of the trial. Putting him to death for such a serious crime is seen as a rational answer and the highest form of justice available in the American courts. The punishment is the focus of such logic rather than concern about his level of fame.

Use #BostonStrongFOX35 in your tweets to interact with us about the 1 year anniversary of the Boston bombing, pic.twitter.com/F5bxNGA9bE

— myfoxorlando (@MyFoxOrlando) April 15, 2014

Those who oppose the death penalty do not approve of the state or any government body taking the lives of citizens under any circumstances. The crime the person or persons may have committed is irrelevant.

The back and forth in the matter of Tsarnaev being put to death or being imprisoned for the rest of his natural life will no doubt grow more intense as the trial plays out. If the prosecution is successful in convicting the suspected bomber, opinions on the matter will likely be especially polarized.

The most startling nature of this possible outcome is that there’s no telling what will happen even if Tsarnaev is sentenced to die.

The evolving nature of American justice is seeing the death penalty erode away state by state. By the time the date arrives where Tsarnaev were to be put to death (and the exhausting of appeals can take some time), the death penalty may no longer be available.

Do you think suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev should be put to death or imprisoned for life if he’s convicted? Please share your views below.

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