Texas Supreme Court Allows Execution Despite Innocence Claims
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a legislative subpoena cannot halt a scheduled execution, allowing Robert Roberson’s execution to proceed. While the Court acknowledged the House committee’s right to seek Roberson’s testimony, it stipulated that the subpoena must not inherently block the execution. Lawmakers maintain their intent to gather Roberson’s testimony regarding his 2002 conviction for his daughter’s death, citing a 2013 law allowing challenges based on advances in forensic science. The Attorney General’s office, however, disputes the lawmakers’ claims, and the timing and manner of any further attempts to obtain testimony remain unclear.
John Q. Hosedrinker