Graphic Crime Scene Photos Revealed At Dylann Roof Trial
Dec. 9 2016, Published 5:12 p.m. ET
Dylann Roof, the 22-year-old accused of killing nine people during a racially motivated shooting at a Charleston church last June, was faced with his own crime this week. Graphic images of the scene were presented before a jury and victims' family members on Thursday in court.
According to reports, Roof sat "expressionless, looking down at the defense table, as federal prosecutors in his hate crimes trial showed 360-degree image scans from inside the Emanuel AME Church fellowship hall where nine black worshipers died in a barrage of bullets."
The disturbing images revealed Roof entering and exiting the building on security camera footage, while others showed the victims' bodies lying on a white tile floor, covered in blood.
Multiple shell casings were visible in the photos, scattered about the gruesome scene.
Though the judge insisted to victims' families "that there's no shame in stepping out for this," nearly 50 stayed in the courtroom, crying softly through the ordeal.
As RadarOnline.com reported, the Justice Department announced plans to seek the death penalty against Roof.
The 22-year-old was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing nine victims attending a bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Roof published a manifesto prior to the church shooting that detailed his hate for America and for racial and religious minorities. 8. He also posted photos of himself desecrating the American flag, and proudly waving the Confederate flag as his personal banner.
"I am not in the position to, alone, go into the ghetto and fight. I chose Charleston because it is most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of blacks to Whites in the country," he wrote of his strategy in the manifesto. "We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me."
Roof's attorneys have offered for him to plead guilty and serve life in prison, but prosecutors are fighting hard to prevent that outcome.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty. They have charged Roof with nine counts of murder and other charges. That trial is to begin Jan. 17.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty. They have charged Roof with nine counts of murder and other charges. That trial is to begin Jan. 17.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty. They have charged Roof with nine counts of murder and other charges. That trial is to begin Jan. 17.
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