Charleston Shooter's Reversal On Lawyers May Signal Desire To Hide Mental Health Troubles

Dylann Roof has asked to have his lawyers for the guilt phase of the trial but to represent himself in the sentencing phase -- where more attention is focused on the mental health of the defendant. Meanwhile, Florida organizations want to teach bystanders basic bleeding-control techniques in the state where gun homicides have gone up 31 percent since the Stand Your Ground law was passed in 2005.

Reveal: Is Dylann Roof Intentionally Hiding His Mental State?

The court on Monday granted Roof’s request in a 19-page opinion, pointing to an apparent lack of understanding between Roof and his defense team about his decision to go “pro per.” Because many of the case’s records – including those pertaining to Roof’s mental health and competency – are sealed or redacted, it’s impossible to fully understand the thinking behind firing one’s counsel then hiring them back a week later. By choosing to represent himself in the latter phase, where evidence of past trauma and mental health issues could be put forth, Roof may be attempting to dodge scrutiny about his psychological state. (Duncan, 12/7)

Orlando Sentinel/Tampa Bay Tribune: Training Teaches Bystanders To Stop Bleeding

[Michael] Cheatham's parent organization, Orlando Health, and several area agencies are in the early stages of putting together plans to train the public on basic bleeding control techniques. (Miller, 12/7)

Health News Florida: Gun Homicide Rates Up 31 Percent Since Stand Your Ground

Governor Jeb Bush signed the first Stand Your Ground measure into law in 2005, ushering in a new era of self-defense. The law follows the "shoot first" philosophy, letting citizens use deadly force if they feel threatened, instead of retreating. Since lawmakers approved Stand Your Ground, gun homicides have jumped 31 percent, and homicides are up 24 percent. David Humphreys at the University of Oxford co-authored the paper. (Payne, 12/7)

In other news —

Reveal: Why The Numbers Say That Transgender Murders Are At An All-Time High

More transgender people have been killed in 2016 than any other year. So far this year, at least 22 transgender people have been killed across the U.S., according to the latest estimates from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, a group that tracks violence affecting the LGBTQ community. Eighteen of the victims were African American. (Martinez, 12/7)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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