The verdict is in:

More from NBC San Diego:

Dylann Roof was convicted Thursday in the racially motivated killings of nine black worshippers during a Bible study last year at a Charleston church.

Roof was charged with 33 counts including federal hate crimes and obstruction of religion. He was found guilty of at least the first 20. The same jury will decide next month if Roof faces the death penalty or gets life in prison.

Roof said in his confession, a journal found in his car and a statement he posted online that he wanted his killings to lead to a return of segregation or perhaps a race war. Instead, the single biggest change to come from the June 17, 2015, killings was the removal of the Confederate flag from in front of the South Carolina Statehouse after it spent 50 years flying over the capitol or on its grounds.

Justice has been done. We offer prayers for continued healing for the victims’ loved ones.