She said that his troubles continued into adulthood, and at 33, he reported he had depression and social anxiety. She painted a picture of an unstable upbringing, at one point describing Bowers as “cold and hungry, fearful and anxious.” Long told the jury about Bowers’ life, starting with his birth to a father who had attempted suicide. Life in prison is a punishment, she said, you will be holding him accountable. “More death is just more death,” she said. She said the defense is not asking for the jury to excuse Bowers.

Long told the jury they will soon be asked to make a decision few people are asked: if a fellow citizen will live or die. (Sketch by Emily Goff) Defense delivers opening statementĮlisa Long gave the opening statement for the defense. Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial 7/17/23 This is Elisa Long making the defense’s opening statement - Bowers in the background still writing, not looking up. “He made his decisions and must be held accountable.” “We will ask you to return a verdict of death, a verdict of justice,” she said. She said the jurors will also be asked to consider the synagogue as a target and Bowers’ lack of remorse.

She said jurors will hear more about the impact the shooting had on the survivors. Vasquez Schmitt named each victim and said the jury will hear more about them. The prosecution will argue that the weight of each of these factors is enormous, she continued. They were easy prey for the defendant who came armed with rifles and handguns and killed the old and challenged,” she said. “These were not victims who could run away or fight back. He killed 11 and attempted to kill congregants and law enforcement alike. These are factors that set his crimes apart, she said.īowers put so many people in danger of death, Vasquez Schmitt said. The court has talked about the weighing of factors. “They were loved, they were unique and left behind loved ones who’ve had to endure the crushing weight of their loss,” she said.īowers caused harm because he hated Jews, in his own words, she said. Vasquez Schmitt said each of the 11 people Bowers murdered was so much more than a victim. Now it is time to hold him accountable for his decisions,” she said. You found him eligible for the death penalty. Opening statements from the prosecution were given by Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, who told the jurors that Bowers made the decision to kill again and again. (Sketch by Emily Goff) Prosecution delivers opening statement Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial 7/17/23 This is Nicole Vasquez Schmitt during the governments opening statements.

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