Remember Dylann Storm Roof, the psychotic little racist who murdered nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina? His trial was scheduled to start on November 7, but he was sent for a psychiatric evaluation, instead. As it turns out, he is sane enough to go to court and stand trial, so jury selection began yesterday. Young Mr. Roof is facing thirty-three charges, some federal, some state, ranging from hate crimes to murder.
In court yesterday, Mr. Roof told the judge that he would like to discharge his attorneys and represent himself. While appearing in court pro se may be acceptable in uncomplicated civil matters, it is not recommended for criminal trials wherein one faces the death penalty, which Mr. Roof faces. The verdict seems almost a foregone conclusion; he has all but confessed. Is it possible that young Mr. Roof already knows he will probably not like the outcome of his trial, and is already angling for another trial, later on?
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