Accused Charleston church shooter found competent to stand trial

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The man accused of killing nine black worshippers at a Charleston, South Carolina, church has been found competent to stand trial.

A closed hearing on Nov. 21 and 22 found that Dylann Roof will stand trial for the June 2015 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

A defendant is found competent if he or she has the "capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings against him, to consult with counsel and to assist in preparing his defense," according to Drope v. Missouri.

Dr. James C. Ballenger, a psychiatrist for more than 45 years and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina for 17 years, evaluated Roof. He completed his examiner’s report on Nov. 15.

Ballenger and four other witnesses testified at the hearing. Three more people testified by sworn affidavits.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel ruled that the hearing would remain closed despite pleas from family members of the slain and arguments from the media that it should be open.

Gergel said he was concerned anything said at the hearing could be seen by potential jurors and taint their view of the defendant.

Jury selection will resume Monday.

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