Prosecutors hit accused Pittsburgh synagogue shooter Robert Bowers with a slew of new charges Wednesday, as officials revealed he could be sentenced to half a millennium in prison for his hateful crimes.
Bowers was arrested after he allegedly killed 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue Saturday and charged with 29 federal felonies, including hate-crime murder.
But prosecutors have added 15 new felony counts relating to two victims he injured and nine others who escaped unharmed, according to a federal indictment delivered Wednesday.
Officials are seeking the death penalty, but if that’s not granted, Bowers could still rot in jail for the rest of his life — the maximum penalty would be life in prison without parole followed by a sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice.
“Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts, and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city,” US Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott Brady said.
“Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims. It is time to go to work.”
Bowers returns to court Thursday.