Texas Supreme Court Halts Execution of Robert Roberson Amid Legislative Subpoena

A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers intervened to delay the execution of Robert Roberson, raising questions about outdated forensic evidence and separation of powers.

Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his daughter in 2003, was nearly executed based on evidence of shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis now viewed skeptically by many experts.
The Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on Roberson's execution to allow him to testify before a state House committee, following a subpoena issued by the lawmakers.
The case has highlighted a unique separation of powers issue in Texas, as the legislative branch seeks testimony from a death row inmate, challenging the executive's execution authority.
Roberson's supporters, including some lawmakers and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, argue that new evidence suggests his daughter's death was due to pneumonia, not abuse.
Despite the temporary reprieve, Roberson's future remains uncertain, with his attorneys pushing for a new trial and further examination of outdated forensic methods.