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Texas Supreme Court Allows Robert Roberson's Execution in Shaken Baby Death Case After Subpoena Delay

Nov 15, 2024, 04:36 PM

On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court unanimously ruled that legislators cannot use subpoenas to halt executions, allowing the state to reschedule Robert Roberson's execution. Roberson, convicted in 2002 for the murder of his 2-year-old daughter in a shaken baby syndrome case, had his execution delayed for months after Republican and Democratic lawmakers issued a novel last-minute legislative subpoena last month. The court emphasized the separation of powers, stating that "legislative investigatory power, even at its maximum, is insufficient to forestall a long-scheduled execution under the circumstances presented." Roberson's attorney reported that he "was shocked" by the decision. While the ruling permits the state to proceed with the execution, the court suggested there may still be time for Roberson to testify before a Texas House panel, provided it does not interfere with the new execution date. The case underscores the limits of legislative authority in capital punishment and ongoing scrutiny over shaken baby syndrome convictions.