It's been almost a week. Has Roof even been formally charged yet? How did he plead? What is the name of his defense lawyer?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arraignment
Arraignment is a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against them. In response to arraignment, the accused is expected to enter a plea.
http://www.aol.com/article/2015/06/...ing-grid7|main5|dl2|sec3_lnk4&pLid=-473309966
Shelby Police Chief Jeff H. Ledford said 21-year-old Dylann Roof would be charged either when the plane transporting him landed in South Carolina or when it entered South Carolina airspace.
Roof has
waived his right to counsel, meaning he will either represent himself or hire his own lawyer.
An assistant clerk in North Carolina says the extradition hearing for suspect in the fatal shooting of nine people at a historic black church lasted just 10 minutes....
Roof has had an
Extradition Hearing in Shelby and a
Bond Hearing in Charleston. But still nothing about his
Arraignment Hearing, where he is formally charged with his crimes. It is inconceivable to me that they would allow Roof NOT to have a lawyer, to avoid any future controversy about lack of legal counsel.
IANAL, but the whole process thus far is fishy. The bail hearing he had in front of an unusual country magistrate (not a lawyer) was reported in the news media as being an "arraignment"
http://www.wxyz.com/news/the-latest-on-church-shooting-mayor-discusses-death-penalty
However, an attorney being interviewed on CNN that evening (of the arraignment/bail hearing) said county magistrates don't have the authority to charge anyone with murder. The state web site confirms that:
https://www.sccourts.org/magistrateCourt/
Magistrate Court
There are approximately 300 magistrates in South Carolina, each serving the county for which he or she is appointed. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. Magistrates must also pass a certification examination within one year of their appointment. Magistrates generally have criminal trial jurisdiction over all offenses subject to the penalty of a fine, as set by statute, but generally, not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. In addition, they are responsible for setting bail, conducting preliminary hearings, and issuing arrest and search warrants. Magistrates have civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
The news media reports his next hearing won't be until the end of October 2015 and February 2016.
Very strange, indeed.
This CBS news story contains conflicting information as well
s.com/news/charleston-shooting-suspect-dylann-roof-charged-with-nine-counts-of-murder/
The headline says he was charged with nine counts of murder (which a magistrate cannot do) but that he was only given bail for the weapons charge. Later, they mention that he will be charged with murder by a circuit judge at a later date.
Roof, who faces nine counts of murder, was ordered held on $1 million bond for the weapons charge. However, Chief Magistrate James Gosnell doesn't have the authority to set bond on the nine murder counts that Roof faces. That will be left up to a circuit judge at a later date.
His first hearing date, according to this article, is October 23, 2015 and the next February 5, 2015.
http://www.ibtimes.com/dylann-roof-hears-victims-families-court-hearing-bond-set-1m-1975626
The shaggy-haired Roof looked sullen in handcuffs and a prison uniform, but was cooperative as Gosnell instructed him on future court dates and the manner in which the legal process would proceed. His first court date was scheduled for Oct. 23, 2015, with a second hearing scheduled for Feb. 5, 2016. Gosnell said Roof had the right to a preliminary hearing in which prosecutor Scarlett Wilson would lay out the evidence against him.
ETA: BBM. So, no one has formally charged him with murder that I can tell. As many have already noted here, Roof's grandfather is an influential, well known and "respected" attorney in the area.
As for this Solicitor, Scarlett Wilson, here is her campaign web site from the last election:
http://wilsonforsolicitor.com/
Having had relatives who lived in the state for many years (now living elsewhere), the system of jurisprudence there is corrupt and haphazard. They seem to make up the rules as they go along and how your case is handled is often related to your race and any influential family you may have in the state. I've said it before, I'll say it again - This guy is going to get off with an insanity plea, technicality or mistrial or something.
That said, the black community down there is very focused on civil rights and will hopefully follow this situation closely once the funerals are over and people have had a chance to grieve. Hopefully, the national news media will keep an eye on this case, too.
