Texas Supreme Court Denies Delay, Clears Path For Execution

Texas lawmakers meet with Robert Roberson at a prison in Livingston, Texas, on Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, file)

The Texas Supreme Court has denied a state House committee's attempt to delay the execution of Robert Roberson, a father convicted of murder in the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter. This decision paves the way for a new execution date to be set for Roberson, who maintains his innocence.

Roberson, 57, was initially scheduled for execution in October, but a state House committee issued a subpoena for his testimony, leading to a temporary halt in the execution. The committee sought to investigate the lawfulness of Roberson's conviction, which relied on allegations of shaken baby syndrome as the cause of his daughter's death.

While child abuse pediatricians stand by the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, Roberson's attorneys argue that there is ample evidence to suggest his daughter did not die from child abuse. The Texas Supreme Court emphasized that prioritizing a legislative subpoena over a scheduled execution could set a concerning legal precedent.

The court's decision last month to stay Roberson's execution just before the expiration of his death warrant sparked a series of legal maneuvers. The state representatives involved clarified that their intent was not to delay the execution but to obtain Roberson's testimony.

Roberson, convicted of murder, maintains innocence in his daughter's death.

Texas Supreme Court denies state House committee's attempt to delay Roberson's execution.

Committee issued subpoena for Roberson's testimony, leading to temporary halt in execution.

The court's recent ruling indicated that Roberson's testimony before the House committee could proceed before a new execution date is determined. The committee is expected to work with the executive branch to facilitate this process.

If the committee still wishes to obtain Roberson's testimony, the court suggested that the department should be able to accommodate a new subpoena. However, the court also noted that the committee could pursue judicial relief if necessary to compel a witness's testimony.

Roberson's case has drawn attention due to the disputed diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome and the potential implications for his conviction. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant ramifications for both Roberson and the broader debate surrounding shaken baby syndrome allegations in criminal cases.