Current:Home > ScamsProsecutors oppose a defense request to exhume the body of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s father -ApexWealth
Prosecutors oppose a defense request to exhume the body of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s father
Ethermac View
Date:2025-04-09 20:57:18
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday opposed a request by lawyers for the Pittsburgh synagogue gunman to exhume the body of his father for the purpose of proving paternity.
Robert Bowers’ lawyers want the body exhumed for a DNA test after prosecutors raised questions about paternity during Bowers’ trial for the 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue. Bowers, a 50-year-old truck driver from suburban Baldwin, faces a possible death sentence after being convicted in June of killing 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue.
Trying to persuade jurors to spare his life, the defense said Bowers has a family history of mental illness and has introduced evidence that his father was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The defense asserts Robert Bowers also has schizophrenia and opened fire at the synagogue out of a delusional belief that Jews were helping to commit a genocide against white people.
Other news Defense wants Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s long-dead father exhumed to prove paternity Lawyers for the gunman who killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue have requested a court order to exhume the body of his long-dead father. Synagogue gunman had traumatic childhood and couldn’t function as an adult, defense expert testifies The perpetrator of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre had a deeply unstable life from childhood through his adult years. How the death penalty phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue gunman’s trial might play out The federal trial of a 50-year-old truck driver convicted of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history is in its third and final phase. Pittsburgh synagogue attack survivors testify about overcoming physical and emotional wounds Survivors of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack have testified to the severe physical and emotional injuries they suffered during the deadliest antisemitic massacre in U.S. history.The government urged the trial judge to reject the defense request, saying he does not have authority to order the body of Randall Bowers to be exhumed and calling the paternity issue tangential. Prosecutors also said the defense motion was “completely untimely and threatens delay and distraction from the pressing issues in the trial.”
Randall Bowers died by suicide in 1979 on the eve of his own rape trial. At trial last week, prosecutors sought to cast doubt on whether he was Robert Bowers’ biological father. The defense asked a judge on Tuesday to clear up the matter by ordering the exhumation of Randall Bowers’ body.
The judge has yet to rule.
Mental health experts hired by the defense told jurors that they diagnosed Robert Bowers with schizophrenia, a serious brain disorder whose symptoms include delusions and and hallucinations. A neurologist testifying for the prosecution disputed that Bowers has schizophrenia and said mental illness did not appear to play a role in the attack.
veryGood! (141)
Related
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Why Jana Kramer Feels “Embarrassment” Ahead of Upcoming Wedding to Allan Russell
- Wisconsin launches $100 million fund to help start-up companies, entrepreneurs
- Is Diddy getting charged? Former associates detail alleged history of abuse in new report
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- 'Wolfs' trailer: George Clooney, Brad Pitt reunite for first film together in 16 years
- At Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial, prosecutors highlight his wife’s desperate finances
- 2 climbers suffering from hypothermia await rescue off Denali, North America’s tallest mountain
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Why Real Housewives of Dubai's Caroline Stanbury Used Ozempic During Midlife Crisis
Ranking
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- TikTok ban challenge set for September arguments
- Best MLB stadium food: Ranking the eight top ballparks for eats in 2024
- Hurricane Ian destroyed his house. Still homeless, he's facing near-record summer heat.
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- ‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei is determined to keep telling his Japanese American story
- 3 shot to death in South Dakota town; former mayor, ex-law enforcement officer charged
- Recent National Spelling Bee stars explain how the 'Bee' changed their lives
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei is determined to keep telling his Japanese American story
Iran has even more uranium a quick step from weapons-grade, U.N. says
Is Diddy getting charged? Former associates detail alleged history of abuse in new report
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Patrol vehicle runs over 2 women on Florida beach; sergeant cited for careless driving
New Louisiana law will criminalize approaching police under certain circumstances
Why Real Housewives of Dubai's Caroline Stanbury Used Ozempic During Midlife Crisis