The deadly attack occurred during a Bible study session at Charleston’s historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17, 2015.
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An inmate has been named in the assault but will not face charges at this point.
Roof and his attorneys have reportedly decided not to charge Stafford, who is black, in the assault. When Roof takes a shower, it is required that the guards ensure that the other inmates’ cells are locked and Roof is closely monitored.
Roof suffered bruises to his face and back, but medical staff checked and cleared him, according to an incident report from the sheriff’s office.
Watson said Stafford would be charged with assault, but during a news conference on Thursday, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon said there would not be charges. Stafford was jailed in January for a strong armed robbery and 1st degree assault and battery. His state trial is set to begin next year.
Police are conducting an investigation as to why Stafford’s cell door was left unlocked.
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. He is escorted out of his cell daily for recreation time and showers. Corrections officers pulled the two men apart and returned Staford to his cell.
One officer was taking a break at the time, while another had been called to deliver toilet paper. “We do things day-in and day-out and they become routine”.
According to the sheriff, this was the first incident with Roof since he was jailed last June. The attacker was a black prisoner, but his motives remain unknown. “There is nothing that I am aware of beyond the obvious speculation that we would all have, given the nature of the situation”.
Roof, who is Caucasian, told police he wanted to start a race war with the slayings after he was detained.
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Prosecutors have charged Roof with dozens of offenses in both state and federal courts, including murder and hate crimes, and could face the death penalty.
