Just as the courts ruled that Charleston mass murderer Dylann Roof was declared competent enough to stand trial for the nine innocent people he killed, another twist has now taken place in the case.
According to the Huffington Post, U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel has granted Roof the ability to represent himself in court.
Apparently, the 22-year-old, who is faces 33 federal charges, requested to act as his own legal counsel in his case. When the judge learned of his request, he asked Roof if he was clear on the severity of the charges against him and Roof answered, “yes.”
Judge Gergel reluctantly granted his request, warning that the motion was “strategically unwise.” He then demoted his already appointed defense attorneys to side counsel.
Jury selection began today for the Roof’s trial which reportedly could take up to two weeks to complete.
Selections had halted prior to because Roof’s attorneys argued that he may not be mentally competent enough to stand trial.
Roof is on trial for the June 17, 2015 mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine Black parishioners at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
If convicted, Roof will face the death penalty.
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TSR STAFF: Debra Oh! @The_Ebony_Issue
Source: https://www.google.com/amp/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_583c41bfe4b09b6056012d60/amp
