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Attorneys for Dylann Roof file motion to vacate death sentence
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Attorneys for the man who opened fire at a Charleston church in 2015, killing nine members of the congregation, have filed a motion to vacate his sentence. The motion to vacate Dylann Roof’s sentence was filed in US District Court – South Carolina on April 17. Documents detail 18 claims, two of which have been redacted, as to why attorneys argue Roof’s death sentence should be vacated. Charleston attorney Jill E.M. HaLevi and Indianapolis attorney Angela S. Elleman filed the motion on behalf of Roof. Attorneys are asking for a new penalty phase trial using the 18 claims as justification. The penalty phase is where sentencing is decided. Roof was sentenced to death in 2017 for killing nine Black church members during a bible study. The decision made him the first person ordered to be executed for a federal hate crime. The claims listed below are directly from the filing: CLAIM 3: The trial court violated Dylann’s Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights when it failed ...