Charleston County, s.c.
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 on 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 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.