Was This Letter Written by Dylann Roof in Jail?

The letter is currently up for sale.

Jul 13, 2015
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original

Charleston shooter Dylann Roof has been in jail for less than a month and he already has a pen pal, according to a letter allegedly written by Roof that has surfaced. In it we can see Roof’s remorselessness, with the letter beginning,

“My health and spirit are doing fine.”

The letter, on sale  for $1,000 at True Crime Auction House, shows Roof writing to the person who has written him, later identified as Andrew Dodge of Burlington, Washington. Roof mentions how surprised he is that Dodge found him so soon, with the letter dated June 18—the day of Roof’s arrest.

But according to Gawker, a Charleston County Sherrif’s Office spokesperson couldn’t confirm the authenticity of the letter as officials are investigating where it came from.  It’s unknown when the letter was received at the jail, when Roof got it himself, or when he answered. Gawker does say there is an Andrew Dodge of Burlington, but he was unreachable. The possibility of this being a hoax is high seeing as information like Roof’s inmate number is public and anyone could fake a letter.

But for now, here’s images of the letter with a full transcript following. 

Hello Andrew,

My health and spirit are doing fine. Your letter is dated 6/18 and to be honest its surprising you could write me a letter so quickly. Where in Burlington is Washington located? Is Burlington the second or third biggest city, or a smaller town? I don’t see how anyone could work 80 hours a week and not quit. To tell the truth, I don’t really have any hobbies, and I can appreciate any type of music as long as it sounds good. I also want to ask you the origin of your last name. Is Dodge an English surname? Or is it anglicized (?) name of a different origin? To be honest, I don’t think I need 30 dollars right now. I’d rather you send me a book. But it has to be sent from the publisher. If you think you could do this for me, just tell me in your reply, and then I can tell you the name of the book I want when I write you again. Either way, thanks for writing me, I appreciate your letter. It is nice to recieve [sic] mail in jail. Most people probably would be too scared to send me a letter.

Thanks again, Dylann Storm Roof

P.S. I had some money put in my account, if that was you, please ignore what I said about the book.

[via Gawker]

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