IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Judge Delays Trial Against Charleston Church Shooter Dylann Roof Until January

A South Carolina judge has delayed the death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, who is charged with killing nine people at a Charleston church last year.
Get more newsLiveon
/ Source: The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A South Carolina judge has delayed the state death-penalty trial of Dylann Roof, who is charged with killing nine people at a Charleston church last year.

Circuit Judge J.C. Nicholson on Wednesday granted a request by Roof's lawyers to delay the trial until next year while additional psychiatric testing of Roof is completed.

Related: Friend of Charleston Church Massacre Suspect Receives Lower Bond

The defense presented information that a doctor said that he needed another two to six months to examine Roof.

No other details were released at the hearing because a judge has sealed information about Roof's medical records.

Related: Federal Trial Delayed for Charleston Church Shooter Dylann Roof

Nicholson said the trial will begin Jan. 17, with jury selection to begin in early December.

The state trial had been scheduled to begin July 11.

Roof also faces federal charges in the shooting last June at a historically black church, and officials have said the attack was racially motivated.