A jury has found Robert Bowers guilty on all 63 counts in the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting trial.
The jury received the case after 12 emotional days of testimony from 60 witnesses which included people who were inside the synagogue and first responders who were on scene on the morning of October 27, 2018.
Prosecutors argued Bowers killed 11 worshippers and wounded six others out of hatred for Jewish people. They presented evidence from Bowers' online presence, including comments posted to Gab, a social media platform popular with neo-Nazis and other extremist. Bowers also stated "all Jews have to die" as he carried out the attack.
The defense rarely cross-examined witnesses and called none of their own during testimony. During closing arguments, defense attorneys admitted Bowers was responsible for the killings, but argued he did so because of his hatred for immigrants and for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a non-profit that helps Jewish refugees.
In a rebuttal, prosecutors called that theory "absurd."
The jury reached a verdict just after 11 a.m. Friday.
They paused once to ask for clarification on counts 40-47, which charge Bowers of "obstruction or attempted obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs" of several name survivors. Jurors asked if an attempt to kill required Bowers to know a person was there.
After several minutes of contemplation, the judge determined he could not answer the question. He pointed the jury to their instructions, which dictates attempt to kill does not require knowledge of any specific fact.
Friday's verdict advances the case to the penalty phase, where the same jury will eventually determine if Bowers receives life in prison or the death penalty. The process is expected to take about six weeks.