Dylann Roof: not guilty plea for man accused of killing nine in US church

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/01/dylann-roof-not-guilty-plea-for-man-accused-of-killing-nine-in-us-church
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The white man accused of killing nine parishioners at a black church in South Carolina last month wants to plead guilty to over 30 federal charges, but his lawyer said in court on Friday that he could not advise his client to do so until prosecutors say whether they will seek the death penalty.

During a brief arraignment in federal court, defense attorney David Bruck said he could not counsel his client, Dylann Roof, to enter a guilty plea without knowing the government’s intentions.

US magistrate judge Bristow Marchant then entered a not guilty plea for Roof, 21, who faces 33 federal charges including hate crimes, weapons charges and obstructing the practice of religion. Appearing in court in a gray striped prison jumpsuit, his hands in shackles, Roof answered yes several times in response to the judge’s questions but otherwise did not speak.