Loved ones take the stand as final phase of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial continues

PITTSBURGH — Jurors returned to the courtroom Tuesday morning as the final phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial continues.

Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial: Complete Coverage

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

In the final phase of the trial, family members have the opportunity to speak for the first time about their loss and grief.

On Monday, jurors heard from Carol Black, a sister of Richard Gottfried and a survivor, and from several family members of the victims.

Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center Director, told Channel 11 it’s likely we will see some repeat witnesses from the defense as they dive deeper into Bowers’ mental health.

The judge anticipates about two to three weeks before the jury makes its final decision on whether Bowers will be sentenced to life in prison or death.

>>> Tree of Life, community react to guilty verdict in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial

Ten witnesses spoke in court on Tuesday, and lots of tears were shed.

Daniel Kramer, Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz’s brother-in-law, was one of those ten.

“People in the Jewish faith say when someone has died and it’s ‘May his or her memory be a blessing.’ I look at this picture and I think this wonderful person was a blessing and continues to be a blessing to all of us,” Kramer said in reference to a photo of Rabinowitz.

Kramer broke down on the stand as he said that whole congregations from all over the world stood for Rabinowitz during the mourner’s kaddish to honor his life.

Michelle Weis and Michael Simon, daughter and son of Bernice and Sylvan Simon, spoke about how much their parents loved each other.

“They were very much in love and did everything together up until the end,” Weis said.

“You just have a void. It creates a void, and it can never really be filled...You know your parents are going to pass on eventually, but you don’t imagine it will be cut short in this particular way,” Michael Simon said.

The Simon family was supposed to celebrate Weis’ birthday on the day of the shooting. She told the jury her gift was still sitting in her parents’ home.

Amy Mallinger, granddaughter of Rose Mallinger, also took the stand.

“It’s hard to put into words what losing someone so important to you means. She was the head of our table. We don’t get to play games anymore, she doesn’t get to dance at my wedding,” Amy said.

Rose Mallinger’s wedding ring is now Amy’s engagement ring, serving as a reminder of the love Rose had for her family.

Dr. Judith Kaye, the girlfriend of Irv Younger, took the stand as well.

“When I met Irv, I had been feeling very alone and I knew something was going to be special when I first met him. It took me 60 years to meet him, the late love of my life. His death has left me feeling very alone, very lost and missing him very much,” Kaye said.

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