Hearing set on records in Charleston church shootings

This June 18, 2015, file photo, provided by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office shows Dylann Roof. A South Carolina prosecutor said Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, that she will seek the death penalty for Roof, who is charged with killing nine black churchgoers in Charleston. Roof also faces federal charges including hate crimes. Prosecutors in that case have not said if they will pursue the death penalty. (Charleston County Sheriff's Office via AP, File) Uncredited AP

CHARLESTON, SC

A state judge will hear arguments next week on whether documents, including 911 calls, from the Charleston church shootings will be released to the media.

In an order issued Tuesday, Judge J.C. Nicholson scheduled arguments on Sept. 16 on whether to release the material stemming from the June 17 shootings of nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church.

Various news organizations are challenging an order issued earlier by the judge preventing attorneys from discussing the case and preventing the release of 911 calls, witness statements and coroner reports. The gag order remains in effect until the hearing is held.

The judge said earlier that the right to a fair trial for Dylann Roof, who is charged in the case, could be jeopardized by pretrial publicity.

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