Tipsheet

Dylann Roof to Question Survivors From His Own Attack As He Represents Himself in Court

Charleston shooter and murderer Dylann Roof has chosen to act as his own attorney in court. The 22-year-old shot and killed 9 people in Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina and was recently deemed competent enough to stand trial. He may face the death penalty. Now, with the disturbing turn of events of Roof choosing to represent himself, he will be granted the opportunity to question the survivors of his own attack.

The survivors' attorney, however, said his clients will not be intimidated by Roof.

“They have a lot to say to him, and this may provide them with an unanticipated opportunity. The strength of their words will undoubtedly be more powerful than his rants of hate,” said attorney Andy Savage, who represents survivors Polly Sheppard and Felicia Sanders.

Other surviving family members said they are sickened the judge has allowed Roof to turn the case into a spectacle.

As The Post and Courier notes, the decision to represent one's self rarely works in the defendant's favor