DOCUMENT: Crime

Targeting The 20th Hijacker

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Targeting The 20th Hijacker

Federal prosecutors planning to seek the death penalty against Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called "20th hijacker" in the September 11 terrorist attacks, recently sent this letter to the families of victims in a bid to gather witness impact statements since the penalty phase of a death penalty trial affords an "opportunity to describe the lives of those who we have lost and the consequences of their loss on your life." The letter, first disclosed by the New York Daily News, was sent to families earlier this month and includes two detailed--and very personal--questionnaires to be filled out by potential witnesses. Prosecutors intend to tell "the individual stories of approximately 30 victims, who will serve as a microcosm of all." (12 pages)