Post by Logan on Jun 10, 2016 4:11:17 GMT -6
Accused Charleston killer Roof gambles, wants death trial by lone judge
COLUMBIA, SC -- Accused Charleston church hate crimes killer Dylann Roof has notified U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel that he does not want to be tried by a jury in his upcoming death penalty case.
In a filing Thursday in federal court, Roof’s lawyers said they do not want a jury to decide either phase of his upcoming trial. Prosecutors announced May 24 they will seek death.
If Gergel grants Roof’s request, that would mean Gergel would hear the entire case by himself. He would first preside over the guilt or innocence phase. If Roof were found guilty, Gergel would hear additional evidence then make the lone decision to sentence Roof to death or grant him a sentence of life without parole.
Also in Thursday’s filing, Roof lawyer David Bruck notified Gergel that the U.S. Attorney’s office, which is prosecuting the case, intends to fight Roof’s request to waive a trial by jury.
Read more here: www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article82857192.html
COLUMBIA, SC -- Accused Charleston church hate crimes killer Dylann Roof has notified U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel that he does not want to be tried by a jury in his upcoming death penalty case.
In a filing Thursday in federal court, Roof’s lawyers said they do not want a jury to decide either phase of his upcoming trial. Prosecutors announced May 24 they will seek death.
If Gergel grants Roof’s request, that would mean Gergel would hear the entire case by himself. He would first preside over the guilt or innocence phase. If Roof were found guilty, Gergel would hear additional evidence then make the lone decision to sentence Roof to death or grant him a sentence of life without parole.
Also in Thursday’s filing, Roof lawyer David Bruck notified Gergel that the U.S. Attorney’s office, which is prosecuting the case, intends to fight Roof’s request to waive a trial by jury.
Read more here: www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article82857192.html