Boston Marathon Attack: Police Review Palm Harbor Couple's Video

When Palm Harbor resident Michele Palmer was recording cell phone video of her husband Joe at the Boston Marathon, she had no idea the video would end up being part of an investigation into one of the most disturbing terror attacks against the United States.

The Palm Harbor couple has a passion for running. They often run in 5Ks together here in Tampa Bay and sometimes like to wear costumes during the races, just for fun. They have a good time. They also think it's important to celebrate their triumphs, too.

"Running is one of those events where people quietly work so hard for so many months and years to achieve goals that few celebrate other than close friends and family," says Michele's husband Joe Palmer.

This year, Joe ran in the Boston Marathon while Michele cheered him on and videotaped the special moments. Michele pointed the cell phone at Joe as he walked toward the starting line with the first wave of runners.

Joe waved to Michele and you can hear her shout to him, "Good luck, Joe Palmer!"

About two hours and 59 minutes later, Michele videotaped Joe as he and hundreds of other runners neared the finished line. The atmosphere was celebratory with plenty of cheering and hooting and hollering. Michele had no idea that her cell phone was pointed at the location where a bomb would explode just over an hour later.

The couple was dining at a P.F. Changs three blocks away when it happened.

"It seemed so completely unbelievable," recalled Joe during a phone call from Boston the day after the terror attack.

"It was a beautiful day and then out of the blue, tragedy," he said.

The couple opted not to go back to the marathon course after the explosions. 

"Oddly enough, where we were was one of the safest places to be," he said.

The incident was so upsetting, that Joe said he waited until the end of the day to talk to Michele about it.

"It was surreal. Surreal," he said.

Investigators requested to see the couple's video and they obliged. The video that documented a happy occasion and proud accomplishment took an eerie twist when authorities examined it looking for clues that they hoped would lead them to the terrorist responsible for the deadly blasts.

As frightening as the experience was, the Palmers say they're determined not to let this act of terrorism stop them from participating in future marathons.

"We're more committed than ever to go back," said Joe, who thinks other runners will feel the same way.

"This is one of those events that will make people want to do it so much more. You can't let this effect your life."

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