Dylann Roof Penalty Trial Set to Begin Wednesday

ABC NEWS–Dylann Roof’s fate will soon be back in the hands of the jurors who found him guilty of killing nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME church in Charleston.

The sentencing phase of Roof’s federal trial, in which he could face the death penalty, is set to begin Wednesday.

Roof, 22, has said he intends to represent himself for the sentencing phase of the trial, although U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel has said he does not support Roof’s decision. Roof told Gergel last week he will make an opening statement but said he has “no plans whatsoever to call witnesses” during the sentencing phase.

The government plans to call more than 30 witnesses, mostly survivors and victims’ family members, to testify in the sentencing phase. Survivors Polly Sheppard and Felicia Sanders, who testified during the guilt phase of the trial, are expected to testify again.

Judge Gergel issued an order governing Roof’s movement within the federal courtroom. The federal judged ruled that Roof can’t approach witnesses or the jury during court. He’ll also be sitting in a chair furthest from the jury and victims’ family members.

Defense attorney, Pete Strom said Roof representing himself isn’t the best decision for someone in his situation.

“When you look at the facts of this, the facts are so bad,” Strom said. “Given a normal process, the jury will certainly give death in this case. I mean the aggravating circumstances are there.”

Whether Roof is sentenced to death or not, legal experts said it is unlikely he will be executed anytime soon.

The last execution in the state was in 2011.