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August 2, 2016

Lawyers for Dylann Roof: Death Penalty Would Be "Cruel and Unusual"
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Attorneys for accused killer Dylann Storm Roof have filed a motion
arguing the death penalty would be an unconstitutional punishment for
their client. In June of last year, Roof opened fire at Emanuel AME
Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine black worshipers,
including the pastor, Clementa Pinckney. Roof embraced white supremacist
views and was shown in photographs posing with the Confederate flag. In
a 30-page motion, Roof's lawyers said the death penalty would constitute
"cruel and unusual punishment," because federal prosecutors have refused
to accept offers for Roof to plead guilty in exchange for a life
sentence without parole.
Topics:Charleston Church Shooting

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