Defence attorneys for the suspect in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre entered a plea of not guilty Thursday to federal charges and requested a jury trial.
Robert Bowers, 46, walked into court in wrist, waist and ankle restraints Thursday, with a large bandage on his upper left arm. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds during a shootout with police and was released from the hospital three days ago.
Thursday marked his second court appearance this week after a federal grand jury indicted him on 44 federal charges in last weekend’s slaying of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue.
During the arraignment, Bowers watched prosecutors and nodded periodically. He responded “yes” that he understood the penalties of the charges, and his public defender, Michael J. Novara, entered a plea of not guilty, “as is typical,” he said.
Of the 44 charges, 32 counts are punishable by death, a grand jury filing released Wednesday said.
The court hearing comes the same day that crowds of mourners will lay more victims to rest and as their memorials continue to grow.
On Monday, Bowers had been brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair and only spoke to answer the judge’s questions. Bowers was appointed a local public defender Wednesday.
He is being held at the Butler County Jail without bond. Read more