Juror excused in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial; forensic pathologist and SWAT officer take stand
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — One of the jurors seated in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial was excused on Tuesday morning as proceedings began for the day.
The trial has entered a very difficult phase for the jury and family members involved. At the onset of the trial, the government warned the jury that the trial would be difficult to endure due to the testimony and pictures of autopsies on the victims.
The jurors were told that they would be shown both in words and in photographic evidence the extent of the violence perpetrated on the victims.
On Tuesday morning, forensic pathologist Dr. Ashton Ennis took the stand and began describing autopsies he performed at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office on four of the 11 fatal victims of the attack.
All or most of the victims were killed at a close range with the gunman's AR-15, a high-powered, military-style rifle. Ashton told the jury that rifle wounds are much more destructive than pistol wounds.
"People don't usually see these kinds of images," St. Vincent College Law Professor Bruce Antkowiak said. "These are not the sort of things depicted in movies or TV. These are real-life scenarios of human beings essentially being slaughtered."
Neither the defendant nor the jury reacted when the court displayed pictures of one victim shot multiple times, including a gunshot to the head.
"Rifle shots to the head are very devastating," Ashton said in his testimony. "With rifle wounds, the bullet moves much more quickly, with much more energy. It's a much more destructive wound."
Though difficult to see, the prosecution said they believe it is necessary to show the damage inflicted by this weapon on defenseless victims and is presenting the photographic evidence over the objections of the defense, which said they could prejudice the jury.
Judge Robert Colville told the jury they were to "not let these photos stir up your emotions and prejudice the defendant Robert Bowers."
Antkowiak said the government has one aim.
"It's necessary for the very purpose of this whole proceeding, which is to move this jury to the death penalty," he said. "The government essentially is arguing this is more than a first-degree murder. This is a crime driven by a level of malice that would indicate a hatred on the part of the defendant towards innocent people."
There is little doubt the defendant is responsible for the deaths of these 11 people. What is in doubt is whether he'll face the death penalty. That's what Tuesday was all about.
Earlier, the jury heard from Officer Andrew Miller, one of the SWAT officers who engaged in a shootout with the defendant.
When SWAT officers rushed into a room where the defendant had barricaded himself, they were met with a hail of bullets. Officer Tim Matson was immediately shot.
"I knew he had been shot several times," Miller testified. "With that amount of fire, there was no doubt he was seriously injured."
Miller testified he entered the room firing, though he could not see the defendant. That day, the room was pitch black and filled with dust and debris kicked up by dozens of rounds of gunfire. Miller could only see the muzzle flash of the defendant's rifle and began firing at it.
Another officer, Michael Saldutti, ran out of ammunition and crawled out of the room while other officers dragged the injured Matson out. Miller testified he stayed and exchanged gunfire with the defendant.
"He kept firing at me," he said. "I could feel the drywall behind me kicking up. He just kept missing me."
Asked why he stayed in the room firing, Miller said: "That's what we do. That's what we train for. Those are my teammates."
When Miller stepped out, the shooting stopped, and seeing Matson had a gunshot wound to his head he joined the others who carried the wounded officer down the stairs to medical attention.
When he returned upstairs, a second fight was ending, and the defendant surrendered.
"He said he had to do it. Jews are the children of Satan. They're murdering our children," Officer Miller said on the stand.
Recapping the trial
During the first week of the trial at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh, opening statements were delivered by prosecutors and defense attorneys, followed by two days of testimony from survivors and testimony from a police officer who was wounded while responding to the synagogue.
There is little question about the defendant's guilt. Rather, the case is about whether he will get the death penalty. In her opening statements, defense attorney Judy Clarke readily admitted that the defendant was responsible for the carnage, calling his actions immeasurable and inexcusable.
Most of the victim's families have said they support the death penalty in this case.
Support is available for those in need during the 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.
Phone: 412-697-3534
Email: info@1027HealingPartnership.org
Website: 1027healingpartnership.org
More resources can be found here.