A verdict has been reached in the final phase of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that claimed 11 lives in October, 2018, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in United States history.
The jury has unanimously voted to sentence Robert Bowers to death.
Jurors reached a verdict around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning after they started deliberating on Tuesday morning, for a total of around 10 hours.
After a lengthy jury selection that began on April 24, the trial began on May 30. It featured detailed and graphic evidence from the crime scene.
Several witnesses, including law enforcement, family members and Rabbi Jeffery Myers of the Tree of Life congregation.
Myers released the following statement after the verdict was read:
“Today’s decision and the pending sentences on the non-capital crimes mark the closing chapter of an emotional, months-long trial. In the years we have spent waiting for this trial to take place, many of us have been stuck in neutral. It was a challenge to move forward with the looming specter of a murder trial. Now that the trial is nearly over and the jury has recommended a death sentence, it is my hope that we can begin to heal and move forward. As we do, I have my faith, bolstered by the embrace and respect with which my community has been treated by our government and our fellow citizens. For this and the seriousness with which the jury took its duty, I remain forever grateful.”
On June 16, the jury found Bowers guilty on all 63 counts against him in the first phase.
The jury then deemed Bowers eligible for the death penalty on July 13.
The third and final sentencing phase began on July 17.
The defense tried several times to have a mistrial declared and at one point requested to have the body of Robert Bowers’ father exhumed for DNA when the prosecution raised questions about paternity.
The main arguments for the defense centered around Robert Bowers' family history, including mental illness on both his mother and father's sides.
Of the 22 people inside the Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash congregations that morning on October 27, 2018, 11 were killed.
Their names: Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil and David Rosenthal, Bernice and Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax, and Irving Younger were the victims on October 27, 2018.
Robert Bowers will be sentenced on Thursday.
The family of Rose Mallinger released the following statement after the verdict was delivered:
We thank the jury for their hard work and determination while upholding the law. We know the evidence has not been easy to see or hear, and we will never be able to thank them enough for their poise and professionalism. Although we will never attain closure from the loss of our beloved Rose Mallinger, we now feel a measure of justice has been served. This sentence is a testament to our justice system and a message to all that this type of heinous act will not be tolerated. Returning a sentence of death is not a decision that comes easy, but we must hold accountable those who wish to commit such terrible acts of antisemitism, hate, and violence.
We thank the prosecutors and their staff for all their hard work and preparation leading up to and during the trial. We are grateful to the Court for their diligence and thoroughness.
We also thank the courageous witnesses and family members, the members of local law enforcement and the FBI for their testimony and bravery, and the government experts who all contributed to justice being served. Lastly, to those who provided support during the duration of this trial, including local businesses who donated lunches and the volunteers who delivered them, and people who sent snacks, children’s letters and artwork, we truly felt the love and support of the community. Words cannot describe how much it means to us.
To all the advocates, clergy, community leaders, and leaders of all three congregations, thank you for the long hours and days you have put into supporting us during this difficult time.
We especially want to thank the 10.27 Healing Partnership for going above and beyond in providing support. We can never thank you enough for all you have done for us over the last four-plus years.
May we always remember those who were taken too soon - Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil and David Rosenthal, Daniel Stein, Bernice and Sylvan Simon, Irving Younger, Melvin Wax, and Rose Mallinger. May their memories be for a blessing.
The family of Bernice and Sylvan Simon released a statement as well:
It is with great appreciation and respect that the family of Bernice and Sylvan Simon wholeheartedly expresses our extreme gratitude to the entire jury for their service during this very long and arduous trial. In the course of performing their civic duty, they unselfishly endured great personal sacrifice, time away from family, friends, and work; as well as being disconnected from many everyday activities. They patiently and very attentively listened to all of the testimony and scrutinized the voluminous amount of evidence presented throughout the entire trial. We fully respect their verdict and decisions.
U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman said in a statement he supports the jury's decision:
“Today, I am remembering the victims who lost their lives in the Tree of Life massacre — eleven lives lost because of antisemitism and hate.
“I hope that today’s sentencing decision is a step toward justice and healing for the families of the victims, the survivors of the attack, and the broader Jewish community in Pittsburgh and across the country.
“This was a heinous crime, and I believe that the jury’s decision today is appropriate and just.”