Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre: Life Or Death For Mass Murderer?

PITTSBURGH, PA — After being convicted of slaughtering 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Robert Bowers will now see if he pays with his life for the crime.

The penalty phase of his trial begins Monday for Bowers, 50, formerly of Baldwin. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

In October 2018, Bowers drove to the synagogue, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations were present. He entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle.

While inside the synagogue, killed and injured members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.

Even if the jury decides on the death penalty, it's unlikely Bowers would be executed any time soon. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who took office in January, has said he would keep intact a state moratorium on executions.