Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooter Found Eligible for Death Penalty by Jury.

Federal Jury Decides Death Penalty Eligibility for Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooter

A federal jury on Thursday determined that Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history, is eligible for the death penalty. In 2018, Bowers killed 11 worshippers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. This verdict comes after Bowers was found guilty of numerous federal hate crimes last month in the trial held at the U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sentencing Phase

The jury deliberated briefly on Wednesday afternoon and then for about two hours on Thursday morning before reaching their decision. The next phase of the trial will involve both prosecutors and defense attorneys presenting arguments on whether Bowers deserves the death penalty. Additionally, victims and families of the victims will have the opportunity to address the court. Ultimately, the jury will deliberate on Bowers’ fate.

Unanimous Decision

In federal capital cases, a unanimous vote by jurors is required to sentence a defendant to death. The judge is obligated to follow the jury’s decision. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the offender is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release.

Evidence and Arguments

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from survivors of the attack and saw evidence of Bowers’ anti-Semitism, including his posts on a far-right website targeting Jews. Defense lawyers argued that Bowers suffers from major mental illness, including schizophrenia, and lacked the necessary intent. However, prosecutors presented witnesses and evidence demonstrating Bowers’ careful planning and deliberate targeting of vulnerable elderly worshippers.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; additional reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; editing by Tim Ahmann and Bill Berkrot)

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