New Zealand Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the a full page picture of one of the Boston marathon victims, receiving treatment from what appear to be two bystanders. The paper also details the story of 8 year old Boston boy Martin Richards who was waiting for his dad to cross the finish line, when he was killed in one of the blasts. His mother and sister sustained critical injuries.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times spoke to former Tokoroa man Adam Tafau who works at a gym about 100 metres away from where the bombs exploded. He told the paper he was getting ready to board a train and head to work, when he heard what sounded like claps of thunder. He says the scenes that played out next were like a movie.
And Tauranga man Stephen Blair, who ran in the marathon, told the paper a lot of people in Boston were very sad and angry, and that it was a real blow to an iconic event in such a fantastic city. He said there was an air of apprehension which would probably continue until those responsible were caught.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says athletes and bystanders had feet, ankles, calves and entire legs blown off by the homemade bombs which probably contained ball bearings. The paper quotes Rhode Island state trooper Roupen Bastajian as saying 'these runners just finished and they don't have legs now. There's blood everywhere, it's like a warzone.'
The Press
The Press leads with an investigation into how a high-profile criminal lawyer was able to walk into a courtroom with a gun inside his briefcase. It says Craig Ruane, the man who unsuccessfully defended Gavin Gosnell in the Hayden Miles trial, has admitted carrying the air pistol when he passed through security at Christchurch District Court last month.
And the family of Hayden Miles have spoken of their pain, relief and anger at those who knew what had happened to the 15-year-old, but did not come forward. On Tuesday Gavin Gosnell was found guilty of the teen's assault and murder.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times has more from New Zealanders at the scene of the Boston marathon bombings. Paul Berg of Alexandra told the paper he and wife Karen McCarthy were sitting in a nearby cafe when they heard a huge explosion. He said people were screaming and crying, and they just got up and ran.
And the Wanaka community board will investigate whether to charge people to enter Mount Aspiring National Park.
