Defense, prosecution complete closing arguments in final phase of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial: Closing Arguments

The defense and prosecution have rested their cases and delivered closing arguments in the final phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial.

At the end of closing arguments, the jury was dismissed for the day without beginning deliberations and is expected to begin in the morning.

The jury has decided that Robert Bowers, who killed 11 worshippers in a Squirrel Hill synagogue in 2018, is eligible for the death penalty.

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.

Prosecution’s Closing Argument

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti opened the prosecution’s rebuttal closing argument by emphasizing the weight of life and the severity of the penalty for murder. He reminded the jurors of the four aggravating factors they found in the previous phase of the trial and urged them to hold Robert Bowers accountable for his decisions and actions.

Defense’s Closing Argument

Attorney Judy Clarke started closing arguments for the defense by acknowledging the emotional toll of the trial on the jurors. She asked them to make the right decision, which she argued is prison instead of the death penalty. Clarke highlighted Bowers’ struggles and mental health issues, urging the jurors to consider his potential for rehabilitation.

Prosecution’s Final Remarks

Prosecutor Eric Olshan delivered the prosecution’s closing arguments, emphasizing the heinous nature of Bowers’ crimes and his lack of remorse. Olshan played 911 calls from witnesses and reminded the jurors of the impact on the victims’ families, survivors, and responding officers. He urged the jurors to weigh all the evidence and choose a sentence that reflects the severity of Bowers’ actions.

Conclusion

The defense and prosecution have concluded their cases in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial. The jury will now begin deliberations to determine the final verdict and sentencing for Robert Bowers.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Indicator: Number of intentional homicides per 100,000 population.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator: Suicide mortality rate.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are Target 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere) under SDG 16, and Target 3.4 (By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being) under SDG 3.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions two indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The first indicator is the number of intentional homicides per 100,000 population, which can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.1 under SDG 16. The second indicator is the suicide mortality rate, which can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4 under SDG 3.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: wpxi.com

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