Texas Lawmakers Push for Death Row Inmate's Testimony in Junk Science Case
Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his daughter, faces a new subpoena as lawmakers scrutinize the state's handling of scientific evidence in criminal convictions.
- A bipartisan Texas House committee has issued a second subpoena for death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify about the state's 'junk science' law.
- Roberson's October execution was delayed after questions arose about the forensic evidence used in his 2003 conviction for his daughter's death.
- Lawmakers argue that new scientific evidence suggests his daughter may have died from pneumonia, not shaken baby syndrome, as previously claimed.
- The Texas Supreme Court ruled that legislative subpoenas cannot block executions but affirmed lawmakers' right to compel testimony before a hearing.
- Roberson's attorney and lawmakers are advocating for in-person testimony, citing his autism and communication challenges as obstacles to virtual testimony.
Newsweek 
Associated Press 
The Texas Tribune 