The Texas Supreme Courtroom dominated {that a} legislative subpoena can’t be used to cease an execution after lawmakers on either side of the aisle used it final month to pause Robert Roberson’s execution.
Roberson, 57, was scheduled to be executed by deadly injection on Oct. 17 after being convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, when lawmakers issued a subpoena to have him testify on the Texas Capitol days after his deliberate execution to pause the method. Now, the Lone Star State’s highest court docket has dominated in opposition to the movement.
Robertson garnered bipartisan assist from medical professionals and representatives who say he was convicted on defective proof of what is generally known as “shaken baby” syndrome.
His attorneys argue the daughter as an alternative died from pneumonia that progressed to sepsis, which prompted her to fall from her mattress and undergo head trauma. Additionally they famous that Roberson’s autism was used in opposition to him.
If executed, Roberson would be the first individual in the USA to die over such a conviction.
Texas state Rep. Joe Moody (D), chair of the Felony Jurisprudence committee, put out a press release on social platform X along side fellow state Rep. Jeff Leach (R) in response to the ruling.
“We’re grateful for the time and consideration the Texas Supreme Courtroom has dedicated to this case and the essential Constitutional questions offered therein,” the duo mentioned. “In holding that a legislative subpoena cannot delay an execution — never our specific intention — the Supreme Court also rightfully agreed that our legislative subpoena and this suit were valid.”
“Further, the Supreme Court strongly reinforced our belief that our Committee can indeed obtain Mr. Roberson’s testimony and made clear that it expects the Executive Branch of government to accommodate us in doing so,” the state lawmakers added. “That has been our place all alongside, and we sit up for working with the Govt Department to do exactly that.”
A brand new date for execution has not been set, The Related Press famous, however it’s prone to transfer ahead except GOP Gov. Greg Abott grants a reprieve.
