Lawyers for Robert Bowers, the accused synagogue shooter said Thursday they are seeking a plea deal that will spare their client the death penalty.

At a routine conference, one of the lawyers, Judy Clarke, told U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose that the defense team is seeking a plea.

The move is not unexpected.

According to prosecutors the Justice Department is still reviewing the case for death penalty approval.

Mr. Bowers, who did not appear at the meeting, is accused of shooting 11 parishioners at Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill on Oct. 27. He is being charged with 63 total federal crimes – about a third of which carry the death penalty.

Another conference has been set by the judge for Aug. 5.