Alleged Charleston shooter Dylann Roof waives right to jury trial

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 9 (UPI) -- The alleged shooter who killed nine people at a historic black church last June is waiving his right to a jury trial, according to court papers.

Lawyers for Dylann Roof, 22, filed notice of the Roof's intent Thursday to the U.S. District Court. Judge Richard Gergel will now decide how to proceed.

"Pursuant to this order, the defendant hereby states that he is willing to waive jury, and to be tried and sentenced by the court," read the notice filed by Roof's attorneys David Bruck, and Michael O'Connell.

Federal prosecutors must with the motion and one has told Roof's lawyers "the government will not consent to waive jury at either stage of this case."

Roof is accused of gunning down nine people inside Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015. Roof had spent about an hour with a church Bible study group moment before shooting took place.

Roof's lawyers said the suspect is willing to plead guilty and avoid a trial -- scheduled to begin Nov. 7 -- if the court will issue a maximum sentence of life in prison. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.