Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect appears in court for first time in 4 years as trial proceeds

PITTSBURGH — Robert Bowers appeared in court for the first time in four years, going before U.S. District Judge Michael Colville for the first session in the first phase of jury selection, Channel 11 news partner the Tribune-Review reports.

Bowers, 50, of Baldwin, is accused of shooting and killing 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill on Oct. 27, 2018.

A Jewish ceremony was taking place at the time of the shooting that killed 11 people and wounded six others. Two police officers and two SWAT officers were among the wounded, officials said.

The trial has been delayed several times, including when defense attorneys said in April 2022 they wouldn’t be ready at least until 2023.

Bowers could get the death penalty if convicted of the shootings. He faces more than 60 federal charges.

Potential jurors will arrive at court for the next two weeks to fill out surveys to determine is they can serve on the jury. Jury selection is scheduled to being April 24.

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