National
Judge Sets Trial for Suspect in Charleston Church Shooting
BRUCE SMITH, Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A white man charged with killing nine black parishioners at a Charleston church will stand trial next July, a judge ruled during a brief hearing Thursday.
Circuit Judge J.C. Nicholson set a July 11, 2016, trial date for Dylann Roof, 21, who faces multiple charges, including nine counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder stemming from the June 17 shootings.
Roof sat quietly during the proceedings in a gray-striped prison jump suit in a courtroom crowded with about 100 people.
He was presented copies of the indictments and public defender Ashley Pennington told the judge he would not seek bond at this time “based on the totality of the circumstances.”
The judge called Roof a flight risk, noting he was arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, about 250 miles away, the day after the parishioners were shot to death during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Following the hearing, a document was filed signed by the judge denying bond on the grounds that Roof is a flight risk and an unreasonable danger to the community.
Federal authorities have not said whether they will pursue hate crime charges against Roof, although Justice Department officials have said they broadly agree the shootings meet the legal requirements for a hate crime.
Also during the 25-minute hearing:
DEATH PENALTY
Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, the local prosecutor, said the case “has the potential for a capital case” although the state has not yet said if it is seeking the death penalty.
THE DEFENDANT’S COMPETENCY
Pennington said that attorneys have been able to converse with Roof and that he understands the charges against him. “I don’t see any issues at all that are related to competency at this time,” Pennington said.
JUDGE’S CONCERNS
Nicholson last week issued a gag order preventing attorneys from discussing the case and temporarily blocking the release of police records and 911 calls. He wrote at the time he was concerned the release could affect Roof’s ability to get a fair trial. The judge said Thursday he is especially concerned if there are graphic photos of victims at the church or if screams might be heard on 911 recordings. He noted that in the South Carolina Victim’s Bill of Rights “a victim of a crime has the right to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Usually a request to block release of information or seek a gag order comes from the prosecution or the defense. But Nicholson, who issued the order on his own, is giving the defense, the prosecution and attorneys representing the victims’ families until the end of business on July 22 to file requests to be heard on the matter. If there are such requests, he will schedule a hearing.
MEDIA POSITION
Attorneys representing several media organizations, including The Associated Press, were in court Thursday prepared to argue for release of the documents, but no arguments were heard.
One of the attorneys, Taylor Smith, told reporters later that citizens of both South Carolina and the United States have access to information that is held by public bodies. He said to the extent a judge tries to restrict the discretion provided to public officials to release such information “that is where we will oppose a judge doing that.”
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
#NNPA BlackPress
Introducing the Hurricane Engine for Ram 1500 more power, efficiency, and durability
Introducing the Hurricane Engine for Ram 1500 more power, efficiency, and durability available. View our best-detailed walkaround videos most with POV drives, walkthroughs, and 360 videos of the most sought-after new cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, Vans, and Minivans with/ detailed walkarounds of special models in their entirety at full screen. Our videos allow the autos […]
The post Introducing the Hurricane Engine for Ram 1500 more power, efficiency, and durability first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
Introducing the Hurricane Engine for Ram 1500 more power, efficiency, and durability available. View our best-detailed walkaround videos most with POV drives, walkthroughs, and 360 videos of the most sought-after new cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, Vans, and Minivans with/ detailed walkarounds of special models in their entirety at full screen.
Our videos allow the autos to speak for themselves with minimal distractions from human voice-overs. Just natural sounds and great footage just for you.
Unique to AutoNetwork.com.
{Introducing our new car buying program, https://www.CouponsOffersAndDeals.com/, for money and time-saving specials from select car dealers.}
Like us and share, https://www.facebook.com/autonetwork, on Facebook.
#autonetwork #autonetworkreports
[Subscribe to our channel now for more videos] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuN8D-xz08dJGWXVDMEIA1A
** Twitter http://www.twitter.com/liveautos
** LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/autonetwork
#newcar #africanamericancarreviewer #autoservicecoupons #carreviewnew #newcarreviews #carreviews2024 #carreviewswebsites #usauto #autonetwork #autonetwork.com #360degreecar #newcarcompany #newcarcompanies #povtestdrive #carreviews #carreviewswebsites #youtubecarreviews #bestcarreviews #electriccarreviews2024 #AutoNetwork #AutoNetworkReports #AutoTalkShow #bestdetailedwalkaround
The post Introducing the Hurricane Engine for Ram 1500 more power, efficiency, and durability first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
-
Alameda County4 weeks ago
Michael P. Johnson Garners Major Support in Run for Alameda County Superior Court Judge
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of February 28 – March 5, 2024
-
Antonio Ray Harvey4 weeks ago
Advocates Weigh in on Calif. Black Caucus Reparations Package
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024
-
Book Reviews4 weeks ago
Book Review: “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You” by A’Ja Wilson
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Who are the Alameda County District 4 Supervisor Candidates’ Top Campaign Contributors?
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks ago
Rep. James Clyburn Steps Down from House Leadership
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks ago
PRESS ROOM: The Allen Lewis Agency Named Ally Supplier Diversity: Supplier of the Year for 2024