CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. _ Convicted killer Dylann Roof told a federal judge that he intends to continue to represent himself as he faces the death penalty when his hate-crime trial continues Tuesday.
The Columbia-area man went before federal Judge Richard Gergel Wednesday morning to hammer out details in preparation for the sentencing phase of the trial, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 3. Roof was found guilty Dec. 15 on all 33 counts filed against him in the shooting deaths of nine African-Americans at a historic Charleston church in June 2015.
While handcuffed and wearing a striped, white-and-gray jail jumpsuit, Roof addressed Gergel over several matters, including to reiterate that he plans to represent himself during the sentencing phase of the trial. Renowned anti-death penalty attorney David Bruck represented Roof during the guilt phase.
Gergel once gain told Roof he has until Tuesday to change his mind and have Bruck represent him. Gergel stressed that Roof should be open to listening to the advice of his family and his lawyers, and again admonished his decision to represent himself.
"Will you at least promise me that you will talk to your granddad and your lawyer and your family before you make that final decision?" asked Gergel with a tone of frustration. Roof told him he would.
Prosecuting U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson told Gergel he plans to have about 30 witnesses testify during the sentencing phase, though some may change their mind as the time approaches.
Shooting survivor Felicia Sanders _ whose harrowing testimony during the trial brought many in court to tears _ is among those who have said they will testify during sentencing.
Roof, however, said on Wednesday he intends to present no witnesses.
"As far as I know at this point, I'm not going to offer any evidence at all during the sentencing phase or any witnesses," Roof said.
During the hearing, it was established that the jury will be presented with several facts, including Roof's date of birth, to note that at the time of the slaying of nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in June 2015, he was 21 years old. Age at the time of the crime plays a role in potential sentences in death penalty cases.
Gergel also asked that it be noted to the jury that Roof had no prior convictions. Though Roof was arrested before the shooting, he had not been convicted by the time of the shooting. The jury will also be told that Roof, through Bruck, offered to enter a guilty plea for his hate crimes trial in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of release.
When Roof was given the opportunity to speak, he walked up to the podium shackled to address Gergel.
"First of all, if I can, I am ready to tell you now that I do intend to give an opening statement after (the prosecution's)," said the avowed white supremacist, adding he would also provide a closing statement.
Roof also objected to evidence that is under seal and was discussed in a limited way in court. He then asked Gergel to also redact video visits and statements involving his mother, if Gergel planned on releasing Roof's November mental competency hearing.
"The unsealment of my mental competency defeats the purpose of me representing myself," Roof said.
But Gergel told Roof that the need for secrecy passes once the trial is over. Gergel did say, however, that because Roof is still facing a state trial, there's a chance that his mental competency hearing will be passed along to state court sealed.
"It's a complicated issue," Gergel said.
