Accused Pittsburgh shooter’s lawyer hints at plea deal

PITTSBURGH — The man charged in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre pleaded not guilty to hate crimes and dozens of other counts Monday, but his new lawyer — a prominent death penalty litigator who represented one of the Boston Marathon bombers — signaled he might be open to a plea deal.

Robert Bowers, a truck driver who authorities say gunned down 11 people at Tree of Life Synagogue, appeared in federal court with attorney Judy Clarke, who expressed hope the case will be resolved without a trial. against Bowers, but a final decision rests with the U.S. attorney general.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti said in court a trial could last about three weeks, not including any potential penalty phase.

Bowers, who was shackled, said little, giving yes or no answers.

A grand jury Jan. 29 added 19 counts to the 44 Bowers was already facing. The additional charges include hate crimes violations, obstruction of religious belief and the use of a firearm during crimes of violence.

Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pennsylvania, is accused of targeting worshippers from three Jewish congregations in an Oct. 27 attack.