The Associated Press reports that Roof was allowed to handle the selection of a pool of 67 potential jurors on his own after he fired his legal team. Neither the judge nor his lawyers recommended this decision, and he is now being allowed to hired his lawyers back—temporarily.
Since Roof is facing the death penalty, his case is split into two parts. There’s the “guilt” phase, in which it is argued whether or not Roof is guilty of his alleged crimes. If convicted, this is followed by a portion of the case in which it is decided if Roof should be sentenced to death or life in prison. Lawyers will see Roof through the “guilt” phase of his trial, but he wishes to represent himself during the penalty phase. Judge Gergel approved the decision on Monday, but says it’s the last time Roof can change his mind.
Roof’s lawyers have been focusing on the death penalty throughout proceedings, filing a claim stating that it was unconstitutional. The AP says that his lawyers also “feared Roof wouldn’t introduce evidence that could possibly spare his life” were he to represent himself throughout his trial. Final jury selection and opening statements are scheduled to begin Wednesday. This is just his federal case; when it’s over, Roof must defend himself against state murder charges that also include the death penalty.
