Robert Roberson’s scheduled execution in Texas faced legal challenges from the House of Representatives committee, but the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the committee did not have the authority to stop the execution using a subpoena. Roberson, a death row inmate, was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter Nikki in 2002, with prosecutors alleging that he violently shook her. However, the scientific validity of shaken baby syndrome, the basis of his conviction, has come into question over the years.
The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence issued a subpoena requiring Roberson to testify about the use of “junk science” law in his case, which allows people to appeal their convictions based on new scientific information. A temporary restraining order was issued by a Travis County district judge to delay Roberson’s execution, but the Court of Criminal Appeals overturned it, clearing the way for the execution to proceed.
Despite the efforts of the House committee to pause the execution and allow Roberson to testify before lawmakers, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the committee overstepped its authority by trying to delay the execution. Roberson’s attorney, Gretchen Sween, expressed hope that the temporary stay of execution would provide an opportunity to review the medical evidence and address what she believes is a wrongful conviction.
The legal battle over Roberson’s execution saw bipartisan cooperation among House lawmakers, with the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Chair and House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Chair issuing a statement in support of the court’s decision. However, Roberson was ultimately not able to testify before the committee as planned due to objections from the Texas Attorney General.
Notable figures, including Dr. Phil McGraw, author John Grisham, and a juror from Roberson’s trial, provided testimony in defense of Roberson, suggesting that he may have been wrongfully convicted. Governor Greg Abbott and House lawmakers also weighed in on the case, with accusations of overstepping executive branch authority and violating the state’s code of conduct for lawyers.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of Robert Roberson remains uncertain, with the possibility of a new execution date looming. The case has raised questions about the use of scientific evidence in criminal trials and the power dynamics between different branches of government in the legal system.
