On June 17, 2015 a white man, who has since been identified as Dylann Roof, shot and killed nine members of the historically black Charleston church, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Roof was charged with several counts of murder and attempted murder, in addition to a possession of a firearm while committing a felony. According to reports, he also faces federal hate crime charges and the death penalty.
However, a judge recently revealed that he believes the then 21-year-old gunman may be mentally incompetent. Therefore, unable to stand trial until he’s been further evaluated and receives treatment, “aimed at restoring him to competence,” NY Daily News reports.
According to court documents, U.S Judge Richard Gergel found reason to believe Dylann Roof, “may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect.” As a result, he ordered another competency exam for the gunman. Apparently, a report on the exam is expected in on Monday and a hearing will be held on Wednesday.
Gergel’s plan, according to reports, is to rule on Roof’s competency within days and begin jury selection on the 21st of this month.
