Yesterday, Dylann Storm Roof, the shooting suspect in the Wednesday night slaughter at the Charleston NC Emanuel AME Church, that claimed 9 lives during a Bible study, attended a bond hearing. The hearing was conducted by video feed between the magistrate’s courtroom and the location where Flood is currently in detention. The bond on weapons possession was set at $1 million. Another bond hearing will be held in the future with regard to the charges of 9 counts of murder that he faces.
Various media sources report that one phase of the hearing was an opportunity the magistrate gave to the family members of the victims to speak to Roof and give voice to their feelings. The family members spoke of the pain of their loss, and the devastation of never again having their loved one in their life. Reports stated that over and over, in spite of the deep sense of soulless tragedy, they expressed forgiveness to Roof for what he did.
I acknowledge that I am very angry, [but] she taught me that we are the family that love built. We have no room for hating.
Bethane Middleton-Brown, sister of victim, DePayne Middleton-Doctor
We welcomed you Wednesday night in our Bible study with open arms. You have killed some of the most beautifulest people that I know. Every fiber in my body hurts, and I will never be the same. Tywanza Sanders is my son, but Tywanza was my hero. Tywanza was my hero. But as we say in Bible study, we enjoyed you. But may God have mercy on you.”
Felicia Sanders, survivor & mother of victim Tywanza Sanders
You took something very precious away from me, I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul. You hurt me. You hurt a lot of people, but God forgive you, and I forgive you.
Nadine Collier, daughter of victim, Ethel Lance
Information for this story was gathered from the Post and Courier and the NY Times.
Posted by David Allen