Current:Home > FinanceJury begins weighing death penalty or life in prison for Pittsburgh synagogue shooter-LoTradeCoin
Jury begins weighing death penalty or life in prison for Pittsburgh synagogue shooter
View Date:2024-12-23 22:57:37
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A jury is deliberating whether the man who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue should receive the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Robert Bowers perpetrated the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history when he stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 and opened fire, killing members of three congregations who had gathered for Sabbath worship and study.
The same jury that convicted Bowers in June on 63 criminal counts began deliberating his sentence Tuesday morning.
In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors said the 50-year-old truck driver was clearly motivated by religious hatred, reminding jurors that Bowers had spread antisemitic content online before the attack and has since expressed pride in the killings. They urged jurors to impose a death sentence.
Bowers’ lawyers asked jurors to spare his life, asserting that he acted out of a delusional belief that Jewish people were helping to bring about a genocide of white people. They said he has severe mental illness and endured a difficult childhood.
Bowers, who was armed with an AR-15 rifle and other weapons, also shot and wounded seven, including five responding police officers.
U.S. District Judge Robert Colville thanked the jurors for their service before sending them out to deliberate around 9 a.m. Tuesday.
veryGood! (367)
Related
- Ben Foster Files for Divorce From Laura Prepon After 6 Years of Marriage
- Leo Shoppable Horoscope: 11 Birthday Gifts To Help the Lioness Roar
- Former reverend arrested for 1975 murder of 8-year-old girl
- Ethan Slater Makes Instagram Account Private Amid Ariana Grande Romance
- Flurry of contract deals come as railroads, unions see Trump’s election looming over talks
- Why Barbie Makeup Artist Ivana Primorac Didn't Want Margot Robbie to Look Plastic
- Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Matilda Date Night Is Sweet as Honey
- Get $173 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth Top-Selling Skincare Products for Just $53
- Police capture Tennessee murder suspect accused of faking his own death on scenic highway
- Ayesha Curry Pens Slam Dunk Tribute to Her and Steph Curry's Daughter Riley on 11th Birthday
Ranking
- Ariana Grande's Brunette Hair Transformation Is a Callback to Her Roots
- Obamas' family chef found dead in pond on Martha's Vineyard: Police
- Security guard killed in shooting at hospital in Portland, Oregon; suspect dead
- Why Taylor Lautner Says Hanging With Wife Tay and Ex Taylor Swift Was the Perfect Situation
- DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
- This Sweat-Wicking Top Will Keep You Cool and Comfortable on the Hottest Days
- Margot Robbie Faked Her Own Death as a Kid to Get Revenge on Her Babysitter
- We Solemnly Swear You'll Want to See Daniel Radcliffe's Transformation Over the Years
Recommendation
-
DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Shares Why He Ended Brooks Nader Romance Through Text Message
-
K-9 officer put on leave after police dog attacks surrendering suspect
-
Save 44% On a Bertello Portable Pizza Oven That’s Fast and Easy To Use
-
How Dance Moms Trauma Helped Inspire Kalani Hilliker's Mental Health Journey
-
Here's Your First Look at The White Lotus Season 3 With Blackpink’s Lisa and More Stars
-
Why LL COOL J Says Miranda Lambert Should Get Over the Concert Selfie Issue
-
Influencer Christine Tran Ferguson Sends Message to Supporters After Death of 15-Month-Old Son
-
Retired MLS Goalkeeper Brad Knighton's 11-Year-Old Daughter Olivia Killed in Boating Accident