Dylann Roof

Dylann Roof guilty of South Carolina church killings

It took the 12 jurors just over two hours to convict 22-year-old Dylann Roof on all 33 counts he faced, including federal hate crimes.

He will find out next month if he will receive the death penalty.

The attack in 2015 during Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shocked the nation.

It also reignited a debate about race relations and the flying of the Confederate flag.

Roof told police he wanted to start a race war and he was photographed holding the Civil War battle flag, which to many is a symbol of hate.

Charleston massacre accused Dylann Roof to defend himself

US District Judge Richard Gergel said 22-year-old Dylann Roof's wish to be his own lawyer was "unwise", but nevertheless granted his request.

The surprise development came just as jury selection was set to begin.

Last week Mr Roof was deemed competent to stand trial in the shooting of nine Charleston parishioners in June 2015.

Wearing a grey jail-issue jumpsuit, he was sitting on Monday morning at his defence table after his lawyers moved to the side.

Judge Gergel told the court: "I do find defendant has the personal capacity to self-representation."

Friend of Charleston shooting suspect seeks evidence in case

Court papers filed Thursday show that attorneys for Joey Meek want a judge to order federal prosecutors to let them inspect and make copies of documents, blood or fingerprint samples

Meek also wants to review any physical or mental examination records made in the case.

Meek pleaded not guilty last week to lying to law enforcement agents and failing to report what he knew about Dylann Roof's plans.

Testimony eyed as likely reason for charging Roof's friend

According to an indictment, Joey Meek knew about Roof's plans to shoot black church members during Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal, didn't report it and lied to the FBI after the massacre.

Meek, 21, faces federal charges that, if convicted, could land him in prison for years. But with Roof already in jail facing federal hate crime charges and nine state counts of capital murder, why would there be a case against Meek?

Indictment: Church shooter's friend knew about attack plans

Joey Meek, 21, faces federal charges that, if convicted, could land him in prison for years. But with Roof already in jail facing federal hate crime charges and nine state counts of capital murder, why would there be a case against Meek?

Legal experts say prosecutors likely want him to testify against Roof — testimony that could help show Roof's alleged acts were premeditated and intentional, which are vital to pursuing a death penalty case.

Charleston church suspect's friend charged with lying to FBI

Court documents dated Tuesday and unsealed Friday say that Joey Meek, 21, told an FBI agent that he did not know specifics about Dylann Roof's plan to shoot the churchgoers during Bible study, but the FBI says that was a lie.

Authorities notified Meek last month that he was under investigation. He was arrested Thursday. It wasn't clear whether he had an attorney to contact for comment on the case, but his girlfriend has said he is innocent. Meek was expected to appear in court for arraignment at 11 a.m. Friday.

Feds investigate friend of Charleston shooting suspect

A federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press that a letter was sent last month telling Joey Meek of Lexington, South Carolina, that he was under investigation for lying to law enforcement and for failing to report a crime despite knowledge of it.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, which was first reported by The State newspaper.

Accused Charleston church shooter's attorneys seek evidence

Lawyers for Dylann Roof argue in papers filed Thursday they want all documents, reports, witness statements and recordings the state plans to use in its case. The request is a fairly routine in a criminal case.

State prosecutors have said they will pursue the death penalty against Roof in the June 17 shootings of nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church.

Prosecutor: Church shooting suspect to face death penalty

Solicitor Scarlett Wilson read a statement during a Thursday afternoon news conference, just hours after filing court papers saying she would pursue the death penalty against 21-year-old Dylann Roof. She took no questions but said not all of the victims' families agreed with her decision.

Accused church shooter wants to know framework of govt case

Attorneys for Dylann Roof on Monday filed motions in federal court seeking access to any statements their client has made to authorities, as well as physical evidence and summaries of any proposed expert witnesses expected to testify.

Roof faces dozens of federal charges including hate crimes and obstruction of the practice of religion related to the June 17 killings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.