Tsarnaev Friends' Sentencing Delayed Because Case Could Be Affected By SCOTUS Case

A federal judge has delayed the sentencing of two friends of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev because their cases could be affected by a legal question pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court Wednesday heard oral arguments in a case that could define what can be considered "tangible" evidence in an obstruction of justice case. That definition could influence the cases of Azamat Tazhayakov and Dias Kadyrbayev.

Tazhayakov was found guilty and Kadyrbayev pleaded guilty to an obstruction charge for removing Tsarnaev's backpack from his dorm room.

The judge said in Thursday's decision "it is conceivable" that the Supreme Court's definition of what can be considered "tangible" evidence could challenge the indictments of the Kazakhstan natives.

Lawyers for the men told The Boston Globe they welcomed the decision.