Dylann Roof, center, via video link, at a bond hearing in court in North Charleston, S.C., on June 19. (Pool photo by Grace Beahm/Charleston, S.C., Post and Courier via European Pressphoto Agency)A federal judge on Friday ruled that Dylann Roof, the 22-year-old accused of killing nine parishioners in a Charleston, S.C., church last year, is competent to stand trial. “After carefully considering the record before the Court, the relevant legal standards, and the arguments of counsel, the Court now finds and concludes that the Defendant is competent to stand trial,” Gergel wrote. A determination that Roof is competent means that he understands the nature of the proceedings against him and can assist in his own defense. Read more:Editorial: Drop the death penalty for Dylann RoofThe people Dylann Roof stayed with before the Charleston rampage

Source: Washington Post November 25, 2016 15:53 UTC