Included are 11 counts each of obstruction of the free exercise of religious belief resulting in death and use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence, a conviction on any of which could be punishable by death, according to the indictment.
“Our investigation of these hate crimes continues,” US Attorney Scott Brady said earlier this week. “Rest assured, we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done.”
He faces 10 other potential death penalty charges, according to the federal indictment:
- Two counts of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury;
- Eight counts of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
In total, 32 of the charges are punishable by death, according to the indictment.
The remaining charges are use of a firearm during a crime of violence (two counts), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (nine counts) and obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapons and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer (one count).
A conviction on the non-death penalty charges are each punishable by 20 years or life in prison. The suspect also faces millions of dollars in potential fines and restitution, if convicted.
Four police officers were wounded trying to apprehend Bowers, who stands accused of shooting three of the wounded officers. Two civilians were also wounded.
Bowers is being held without bond until his preliminary hearing, which is slated for Thursday.
CNN’s MK Mallonee contributed to this report.
Source : CNN