The jury in the Robert Bowers trial unanimously agreed the convicted Tree of Life Synagogue shooter is eligible for the death penalty.
The verdict was announced around 10:15 a.m. Thursday after about two hours of deliberation over two days.
Jurors were tasked with deciding if the prosecution proved three things:
- That Bowers was at least 18 at the time of the shooting
- That Bowers acted with intent
- At least one aggravating factor, such as if the victims were considered vulnerable
The bulk of the defense's argument emerged over the last few weeks, as Bowers' team tried, and ultimately failed, to convince the jury their client's mental illness prevented him from premeditation.
Once the verdict was read, defense attorney Judy Clarke asked for a poll of the jury. Each jury member stood and confirmed they agreed with the decision.
"We are grateful for the jury's efforts to reach a just decision today," said Jeff Finkelstein, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. "The Federation does not have a position on the death penalty, but this was an act of anti-Semitism, and the defendant deserves to answer for his crime."
The trial now proceeds to the sentencing phase, where the jury will determine if Bowers receives the death penalty or life in prison.
In the coming days, survivors and loved ones of the victims will read impact statements.
"I can't speak about each person. I am not each of those people," Finkelstein said. "I got a sense that they are...I don't want to say happy, elated...those are the wrong words, but they are eager to be able to share their feelings during this next phase."
The trial will resume Monday. The sentencing phase is expected to take around ten days.