Tori Bolt, Evelyn Fernandez and Shawn Cabbagestalk (News 2) – CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — An inmate at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center ran from his cell and down stairs to attack the man charged with killing nine people in what police said was a racially motivated shooting at a Charleston church.
According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, just before 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 4 while Dylan Roof was in the process of preparing for a shower, he was physically assaulted by Dwayne Stafford.
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Officials say the incident was unprovoked and was broken up by a detention officer.
Roof has bruising on his face and back from the incident.
The suspect is Dwayne Marion Stafford, 26, of Goose Creek.
Stafford was jailed in January for a strong armed robbery and 1st degree assault and battery. Initially we were told Stafford would face an assault and battery charge but Roof informed detectives through his attorney that he will not pursue any criminal charges against Stafford.
Roof faces dozens of charges, including hate crimes, in the murders of nine people on June 17, 2015 during a bible study at Mother Emanuel. Roof's federal death penalty trial is scheduled to begin November 7. Jury selection in his state trial begins in January.