Jurors have unanimously determined that Robert Bowers, the convicted shooter responsible for the deadly attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue, is eligible for the death penalty. The swift decision was reached in under two hours, with less than an hour of deliberations on Wednesday and Thursday. As U.S. District Judge Robert Colville announced the verdict, he requested that those present refrain from any visible or vocal reactions. Bowers remained emotionless during the reading of the verdict and did not appear to make eye contact with the jury.
This same jury had already found Bowers guilty on June 16. Now, they face the weighty decision of whether to sentence him to death for the killing of 11 victims in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. The courtroom was filled with family members of the deceased, surviving victims, and members of the congregation and community. As the verdict was delivered, they respected the judge’s request and refrained from audibly reacting. The next phase of the trial is set to proceed, with the prosecution proposing that opening statements begin on Friday morning, followed by testimonies in the afternoon. The judge granted a defense request, leading to the trial reconvening on Monday. The prosecution estimates that the trial will continue for another seven to 10 days, although the possibility of rebuttal witnesses was not taken into account.
Following the verdict, Jeffrey Finkelstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke outside the courtroom. He emphasized that the act committed by Bowers was an act of antisemitism, not an issue of mental illness. Finkelstein expressed gratitude towards the jury and expressed his hopes that the upcoming phase of the trial, which gives the families of the victims an opportunity to speak, will provide them with a sense of relief and fulfillment. Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, highlighted the tragic loss of the 11 individuals and emphasized the importance of their family members speaking on their behalf. In the next phase, the justice system is expected to listen to their voices, offering support and solidarity.
The trial revolves around the shooting that took place on October 27, 2018, in the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation building located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Aside from the 11 Jewish worshippers who tragically lost their lives, others, including police officers, were injured during the attack. Two additional congregations, New Light Congregation and Congregation Dor Hadash, were also observing Shabbat services within the building at the time.
In a commentary regarding the quickness of the verdict, attorney Robert Del Greco, who is not involved in this case, suggested that it may carry significant weight during the later deliberation on whether to impose the death penalty. Del Greco mentioned the defense’s reliance on expert medical witnesses who testified extensively about Bowers’ mental state, arguing that he could not have formed the intent to kill in accordance with the law. However, Del Greco believes that the emotional testimony from witnesses recounting their traumatic experiences likely had a greater impact on the jury compared to the technical, medical testimony.
The next phase of the trial will undoubtedly bring more emotional and difficult moments as the families of the victims have the opportunity to address the court directly. As the proceedings continue, the justice system will aim to deliver justice and accountability to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this tragic event.
