Dylann Roof may not be mentally competent enough for his federal death penalty case, judge says

[malaise]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dylann-roof-not-mentally-competent-murder-trial-article-1.2869794
<snip>
The judge in the death penalty trial of Dylann Roof believes it's possible the white man charged with gunning down nine black parishioners in Charleston last year may not be mentally competent to stand trial, according to newly unsealed court documents.

A defense motion unsealed Friday mentions U.S. Judge Richard Gergel's finding that it's reasonable to believe Roof "may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect." The motion says the judge's finding doesn't alter Roof's constitutional rights.

Gergel ordered another competency exam for Roof earlier this week, one day after halting jury selection, because of the defense motion. He held a hearing with only himself, Roof and defense lawyers present to consider the defense motion.

"The court is mindful that this delay in jury selection may be disappointing to some," reads Tuesday's order. But "under the present circumstances, the court finds this brief delay in jury selection to serve the ends of justice."
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Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

[Wilms]

1. This kind of ruling always puzzles me.

I would think it's arguable that anyone accused of such a crime is "suffering from a mental disease or defect."

[malaise]

2. You would think

and yet others never receive such consideration

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. Dylann Roof doesn't look like he is all there . Nt