Federal judge grants attorneys four month delay to review evidence in Tree of Life synagogue shooting

By Steve Pope | December 11, 2018

A federal judge on Tuesday extended the time for  attorneys to review and submit evidence in the potential death penalty case of Robert Bowers, the accused Tree of Life gunman.

U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose issued a 120-day extension for the filing of pretrial motions and she also will hold monthly status hearings, which Bowers is not expected to attend.

The extension also gives prosecutors additional time  to review the case and decide if they will seek the death penalty. Prosecutors will submit information to the justice department’s capital review committee who will decide whether or not a recommendation will be made to the attorney general to seek the death penalty.

Bowers, who did not appear at Tuesday’s hearing, remains in federal custody in the Butler County Prison.

Steve Pope can be contacted at steve.pope@grantstreetnews.com