Monday, November 28, 2016

Dylann Roof, Charleston Church Shooting Suspect, Can Act as His Own Attorney

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A white man accused of fatally shooting nine black parishioners at a Charleston church last year was allowed to act as his own attorney in his federal death penalty trial Monday.

Dylann Roof's request came against his lawyers' advice, and U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said he would reluctantly accept the 22-year-old's "unwise" decision.

Death penalty attorney David Bruck then slid over and let Roof take the lead chair. The lawyers can stand by and help Roof if he asks.

The development came the same day jury selection resumed in the case. The selection process was halted Nov. 7 after lawyers for Roof questioned his ability to understand the case against him. Judge Gergel's ruling last week cleared the way for Monday's process to begin anew. 

Click here for the full article.

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