Dylann Roof death sentence appeal focuses on Charleston church shooter’s capacity to stand trial

Dylann Roof death sentence appeal focuses on Charleston church shooter’s capacity to stand trial

The man on federal death row for the racist slayings of nine members of a Black South Carolina congregation was wrongly allowed to represent himself during a critical phase of his trial, his attorneys argued Tuesday, saying Dylann Roof’s continuing “delusional belief” he’d be saved by White nationalists — but only if he kept mental health evidence out of his defense — should have shown his trial judge he wasn’t competent.