Judge: Dylann Roof Competency Trial to Remain Closed to Public
Families of the nine black members killed at a South Carolina church are expressing concern over the latest court hearing for Dylann Roof.
A federal judge has reaffirmed his decision to keep Roof's competency hearing next week closed to the public. Only prosecutors, defense attorneys, the judge and court staff will be inside the courtroom Monday.
However, relatives of the church members are asking for the hearing to be open.
They said trial delays have hurt them and it would be hard to deal with the proceedings in December as Christmas nears.
"I really want you to consider what kind of a signal you are sending to the community," said Alana Jackson, granddaughter of Daniel Simmons, Sr., one of the church shooting victims.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said he understood their concerns but is not changing his mind.
The hearing will include statements made by Roof that might not be allowed at his death penalty trial and Gergel said he is concerned they could find their way to jurors and taint their view of the defendant days before jury selection is set to begin.
"None of us are served by not doing this the right way and then having to do the trial all over again," he said.
Gergel has promised to issue his ruling on whether Roof understands the hate crime, obstruction of religion and other charges against him over the Thanksgiving weekend.
