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Expert testifies Bowers, convicted of killing 11 in Pittsburgh synagogue, does not have delusions

By Nicole Ford, WPXI-TV
By Nicole Ford, WPXI-TV

PITTSBURGH — The penalty phase continues in the trial against Robert Bowers, the man convicted of killing 11 people inside a Squirrel Hill synagogue in 2018.

PITTSBURGH SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING TRIAL: FULL COVERAGE ⇒

The defense is trying to persuade a jury to spare his life, while prosecutors are seeking a death sentence.

The defense has rested its case.

It was a long day in court Wednesday as the prosecution and defense each took hours to question the one witness of the day, Dr. Ryan Darby.

Darby was brought into the case by the prosecution to evaluate Robert Bowers in the Butler County Prison.

During that interview less than two months ago, Darby testified that Bowers discovered religion in 2016 and became more interested in politics, specifically immigration and the role some Jewish congregations play in that, a year or so later.

When it came to the tragedy on Oct. 27, Darby said Bowers told him he would do it again because he feels he didn’t accomplish his goal as Dor Hadash continues to help immigrant families, so he needed to kill more “targets.”

Bowers also went into extreme detail on Bowers’ planning of the attack and how he split up the ammunition into two piles as he planned to attack another building in Squirrel Hill, according to Darby.

Last week, Dr. Richard Rogers, a forensic psychologist who interviewed and tested Bowers, testified that on the morning of the attack, Bowers drove to the synagogue, but then went to the Jewish Community Center. He decided that was too close to the police station, so he went back to the synagogue.

Darby told the jury that in his expertise, all that planning and methodical moves show that Bowers does not have delusions and he does not have epilepsy.

Prior to testimony and in the cross-examination, the defense attorneys spent hours questioning Darby’s qualifications and training, particularly when it comes to his conclusion on Bowers.

Attorney Michael Burt brought up a number of papers written by the witness and questioned his specialties and how much information he shared with other experts working on this case.

As for the prosecution, it’s unclear if they will call any more rebuttal witnesses. Court resumes Thursday morning.

>>> Tree of Life, community react to guilty verdict in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health effects from the trial, go to 1027healingpartnership.org to find help resources. As always, call 911 to report threats.

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