U.S. judge hopes for Tree of Life massacre trial early next year

The judge overseeing the capital case of Robert Bowers, accused of killing 11 at Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, said Wednesday that he anticipates a trial next spring or summer.

U. S. District Judge Robert Colville said during a video conference between the parties that he wants them to be ready to discuss a trial date at the next conference on Aug. 15.

The judge said he’d like to start the trial in March but indicated that might be too ambitious. He said April through June is more likely. He said he doesn’t want to go beyond those dates. The trial is expected to last several months.

Mr. Bowers is accused of gunning down Jewish worshippers at the synagogue in October 2018. Charged with federal hate crimes, he faces the federal death penalty if convicted. The defense is hoping for a plea deal that will spare him execution.

The parties have been sparring over discovery issues for more than three years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo Song told the judge that discussing a trial date is “welcome news.” Prosecutors had previously proposed a trial date for the fall of this year but the defense balked, saying it won’t be ready by then.

Mr. Bowers waived his appearance at the conference. Since his initial appearance in court after the shootings, he has waived his right to be present for all proceedings.

In addition to trial dates, the parties also discussed timing for the exchange of expert opinions in 28 areas involving reviews of scientific evidence.

The defense team said it needs more time to prepare its own expert witness reports because the government’s reports are so voluminous. Prosecutors countered that the defense has had access to most of the reports in draft form for several years.