Texas Supreme Court Unanimously Allows Robert Roberson's Execution in 'Shaken Baby' Case, Rejecting Legislative Halt

Nov 15, 2024, 05:30 PM

The Texas Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that lawmakers cannot use legislative subpoenas to halt executions, stating that such actions violate the separation of powers. This decision clears the way for the execution of Robert Roberson, 57, who was convicted in 2002 of murdering his 2-year-old daughter based on evidence of shaken baby syndrome. His execution, originally scheduled for October 17, was delayed when the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence issued a last-minute subpoena. The court's decision specifies that while the committee can subpoena Roberson, it cannot use the subpoena to cancel his execution. Prosecutors can now seek a new execution date, though the court suggested there is still time for Roberson to testify before the House panel.