Boston bombing suspect’s ties to homicide victim to be reviewed

The friendship between a Boston Marathon bombing suspect and a man who was slain in 2011 has raised new questions about the unsolved crime.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was killed in a shootout with police Thursday, referred to Brendan Mess as his best friend, according to the Boston Globe.

Mess was one of three men killed in Waltham, Mass., in 2011 in a brutal attack that authorities said at the time might be drug-related. The three men’s throats were slit in Mess’ apartment.

Police renewed the investigation at the request of victims’ relatives who believe Tamerlan, 26, and perhaps his brother, Dzhokhar, played a role in the homicides, the Globe reported.

A spokeswoman for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office said prosecutors would review any leads arising from the investigation of Tsarnaev, who along with his brother is suspected of planting the bombs that killed three people and injured more than 200 others at last week’s Boston Marathon.

“The 2011 triple homicide in Waltham remains an active and ongoing investigation. We continue to follow all leads and we will review any new information that may come to light as a result of the investigation into the alleged Boston Marathon bombing suspect,” said spokeswoman Stephanie Guyotte.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was charged Monday with one count of using and conspiring to use an improvised explosive device against persons and property within the United States resulting in death, and one count of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device resulting in death. He could face the death penalty.

ALSO:

Boston prepares to mark week after marathon bombings

Boston plays, prays and remembers on Sunday of renewal

Video said to show suspect setting backpack down near finish line

seema.mehta@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATSeema