Ken Paxton Moves to Block Death Row Inmate’s Testimony in Texas House Inquiry
The attorney general’s motion could prevent Robert Roberson from testifying before a legislative committee investigating his conviction before it dissolves next month.
- Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion to prevent death row inmate Robert Roberson from testifying in person before a Texas House committee on Friday.
- The bipartisan committee seeks Roberson’s testimony regarding his use of the state’s junk science law to challenge his 2003 capital murder conviction for the death of his 2-year-old daughter.
- Paxton’s motion argues the committee’s subpoena is procedurally deficient, overly burdensome, and poses safety risks, while also requesting a hearing no earlier than January 13, 2025.
- Lawmakers have accused Paxton of intentionally delaying Roberson’s testimony until the committee automatically dissolves on January 14 with the start of the new legislative session.
- The legal and political standoff underscores broader tensions between the Texas Legislature and executive branch over legislative authority and the handling of Roberson’s case.
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