Dylann Roof Files for Self-Representation, Judge Approves
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Wearing his prison uniform, Dylann Roof spoke to Judge Gergel Monday morning and filed a motion to represent himself.
Judge Richard Gergel stated the crimes Dylann Roof is charged with and his potential punishment, going through process of making sure Roof understands he’s giving up his rights by defending himself.
Roof told the court he is capable of filing objections, motions, and handling witness questioning. He said he’s ready to go with jury selection.
After conceding that a standby counsel be present, Gergel said Roof has made a clear waiver of his rights and has the ability to self-represent.
It’s been three weeks since jury selection was supposed to begin in Dylann Roof’s federal hate crimes trial.
After major delays while the court ordered competency testing for the accused Emanuel AME Church shooter, the trial now seems to be back on track and opening arguments could start as soon as mid-December.
There are more than 500 prospective jurors still in the pool who have been waiting for news from the court on when they can begin seeking updates on reporting to the federal courthouse in downtown Charleston.
Before the selection process begins, attorneys will again meet with U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel for a meeting in chambers. A number of sealed documents and motions have been filed since Gergel ruled Roof competent to stand trial.
Starting Monday morning, groups of 10 prospective jurors will gather in the courtroom for questioning until attorneys amass a group of 70. Only two groups will be questioned each day.
The final jury seating will feature 12 primary jurors and 6 alternates.
Roof is accused of killing nine people inside Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston on June 17, 2015.
Courtroom sketches from jury selection in #dylannroof federal trial by Robert Maniscalco pic.twitter.com/dRpAG9WffY
— Gabrielle Franklin (@GabAFranklin) November 28, 2016
The federal government indicted Roof on nearly three dozen charges, including hate crimes and violating a person’s right to exercise religion freely.
Roof also faces a state murder trial tentatively set for early next year.
In both cases, the governments are seeking the death penalty. Roof’s federal attorney David Bruck and court-appointed state attorney Ashley Pennington have both offered a guilty plea if either government will remove the option of death from the sentences.
