A South Carolina prosecutor says she will seek the death penalty for a white man charged with killing nine black churchgoers.
Prosecutors filed court papers Thursday saying they would pursue the death penalty against 21-year-old Dylann Roof. The documents cited factors including the fact that more than two people were killed, and that others' lives were put at risk.
Prosecutors also said they intended to present evidence on Roof's mental state, adult and juvenile criminal record and other conduct, as well as his apparent lack of remorse for the killings.
At a press conference, Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson thanked the victims families for "the respect they've shown for the work we must do."
Wilson then commented on her decision to seek the death penalty, saying, "While none of us have the heart for vengeance, we all have the resolve to seek and find justice in this case." She added, “This was the ultimate crime and justice from our state calls for the ultimate punishment."
Roof faces state charges including nine murder counts in the June 17 slayings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is next expected in court on those charges in October.
Roof also faces federal charges including hate crimes. Prosecutors in that case have not said if they will pursue the death penalty.