BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—A Berkeley County man currently behind bars in Charleston County could be facing more charges after deputies say he attacked the Midlands man who admitted to killing nine church members during Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church last year.
According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 8 a.m. on Thursday while 22-year-old Dylann Roof was in the process of preparing for a shower in Housing Unit 1B, when he was physically assaulted by fellow inmate Dwayne Stafford.
Authorities stated that the altercation was broken up by a detention officer who was assigned as one of two detention officer to that particular housing unit. The other detention officer had departed the unit to take a break.
Deputies stated that as a result of the altercation, Roof sustained minor bruising to his face and back area. Both inmates were examined and cleared by the detention center’s medical staff. Roof is scheduled to remain in his original housing unit.
An initial incident report indicated an assault charge will be filed against Stafford. However, Roof reportedly informed detectives through his attorney that he did not want to pursue any criminal charge against Stafford.
“Given the circumstances surrounding this incident, an internal investigation and review will be conducted by the Charleston County Sheriff’s office and Office of Professional Standards,” stated Major Eric Watson.
Stafford has ties to the Huger, Goose Creek and St. Stephen area. In 2012, Berkeley County deputies charged Stafford with trespassing. A few months later, Berkeley County deputies charged him again with the same crime. He’s currently in jail in Charleston County for armed robbery, providing false info to police as well as assault and battery.
Roof faces numerous federal and state charges—including hate crimes, in the murders of nine people, including the church’s pastor, on June 17, 2015 during a Bible study at Mother Emanuel. Roof’s federal death penalty trial is scheduled to start on November 7th. Jury selection for the state trial begins in January 2017.
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