Suspect in Charleston killings indicates desire to plead guilty
Roof’s attorney says prosecutors haven’t indicated whether they will pursue death penalty
CHARLESTON, S.C. — At a brief but emotional hearing in federal court on Friday, Dylann Roof indicated that he wanted to plead guilty to federal charges related to the killing in June of nine members of a storied African-American church.
But his lawyer, David Bruck, told the court that he could not advise Mr. Roof on how to plead without knowing whether prosecutors planned to pursue the death penalty against him.
Mr. Roof, 21, was escorted into the courtroom in a bluish-gray striped prison jumpsuit, bound by tight shackles. Appearing to bite his lip as he took his seat, he stared downward and made no eye contact.
Flanked by his lawyers, Mr. Roof stood as Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant read through 33 federal charges that included hate crimes resulting in death, weapons charges and obstructing the practice of religion. Mr. Roof could face the death penalty in 18 of the 33 charges against him for the June 17 shooting rampage at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Asked if he understood the charges, Mr. Roof quietly responded, “Yes.”
When Judge Marchant asked how Mr. Roof wished to plead, Mr. Bruck surprised the courtroom with the response. “Mr. Roof has told us that he wishes to plead guilty,” Mr. Bruck said. “Until we know whether the government will be seeking the death penalty, we are not able to advise Mr. Roof.”
Judge Marchant then directed a plea of not guilty, for the time being. Reached by phone after the hearing, a colleague of Mr. Bruck’s, Michael O’Connell, declined to comment on the reasoning behind Mr. Roof’s wish to plead guilty.
At a news conference last week, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said federal charges were appropriate against Mr. Roof because South Carolina had no state hate-crimes law. Ms. Lynch said Mr. Roof hoped that the attack would “fan racial flames” and exact revenge for what he believed were wrongs that African-Americans committed against white people. Before the shooting, he was photographed holding a Confederate battle flag and a handgun.
In a scene similar to one in state court in early June, Judge Marchant on Friday allowed victims’ family members to make statements. Unlike the earlier hearing, in which Mr. Roof was in another room, the families stood before him.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen to this young man,” said Tyrone Sanders, the father of one victim. “But for the rest of his life, I want him to hear my thoughts. I’m hurting inside. What he’s accused of doing — I want him to think about. I want him to think about what I’m thinking about for the rest of his life.” Mr. Sanders’ son, Tywanza, 26, was killed while protecting his mother, Felicia Sanders, who survived by playing dead.
Leroy Singleton, the brother of victim Myra Thompson, choked back tears. “I have a heavy heart right now,” he said. “We’re going to have to move on and continue to trust God.” Of Mr. Roof, he echoed the sentiments expressed by families of victims last month: “We have no ill will toward him,” he said.
Taking a moment to turn and face Mr. Roof on his way to the lectern, Melvin Graham stood alongside his brother Malcolm and remembered their sister, Cynthia Graham Hurd. “We want her name to be heard so that it resonates,” Melvin Graham said.
Gracyn Doctor, daughter of the Rev. DePayne Middleton Doctor, did not face Mr. Roof. “Even though he has taken the most precious thing in my life,” she told the court, “he will not take my joy. Hate will not win. And I pray the Lord have mercy on his soul.”
Afterward, Ms. Doctor said she had not planned on speaking in front of Mr. Roof, but once in the courtroom, she felt compelled to do so. “I just had to say something,” she said. “I just wanted to share how I’m feeling. I just hope justice is done.”