A truck driver has been convicted of fatally capturing 11 worshippers at a synagogue within the deadliest assault on Jewish folks within the US.
Robert Bowers, 50, additionally wounded seven extra, together with 5 law enforcement officials, after he barged into the Pittsburgh constructing and opened fireplace with an assault rifle and different weapons.
Bowers was charged with 63 counts, together with hate crimes leading to loss of life and obstruction of the free train of faith leading to loss of life.
During his weeks-long trial, jurors heard testimony from survivors and proof of Bowers’s antisemitism, together with posts attacking Jews made on a far-right web site within the months earlier than the 27 October 2018 assault.
At the US District Court within the Pennsylvania metropolis, the jury convicted him of all costs.
Bowers turned a sacred home of worship right into a “hunting ground”, focusing on his victims due to their faith, a prosecutor had informed jurors.
Reading the names of every of the 11 victims he killed on the Tree of Life synagogue, prosecutor Mary Hahn requested the jury to “hold this defendant accountable… and hold him accountable for those who cannot testify”.
During the trial, a lady recounted how she was shot within the arm after which realised her 97-year-old mom had been shot and killed subsequent to her.
Andrea Wedner informed jurors she touched her mom’s physique and cried out, “Mommy”, earlier than officers led her to security.
Bowers faces loss of life sentence or life in jail
The responsible verdict was not unsure after his legal professionals conceded at the beginning of the trial that he attacked and killed worshippers on the synagogue.
He may very well be sentenced to loss of life or face life in jail with out parole.
All 12 jurors should vote unanimously with the intention to sentence Bowers to loss of life with the penalty section set to final a number of weeks.
His legal professionals had provided a responsible plea in return for a life time period in jail however prosecutors refused, selecting as a substitute to take the case to trial and pursue the loss of life penalty.
Most of the victims’ households expressed help for the choice.
Prosecutors will attempt to present that aggravating elements had been concerned, arguing Bowers fastidiously deliberate the assault and focused weak victims. Most of the victims had been aged.
The defendant’s legal professionals plan to introduce proof that Bowers has schizophrenia, epilepsy and mind impairments as they attempt to save his life.
Source: information.sky.com”