Dylann Roof ruled competent for sentencing

Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who murdered nine black worshipers at a Charleston church, was ruled competent for the sentencing phase of his death penalty trial. Judge Richard M. Gergel of Federal District Court declared the decision on Monday. “After fully considering all of the evidence presented, the court ruled from the bench that Defendant remains competent to stand trial and to self-represent,” the judge wrote. The sentencing phase of the trial will open on Wednesday, with Roof representing himself and delivering an opening statement. Last month, jurors found Roof guilty on 33 counts for the June 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.