Death Row Inmate Seeks Voluntary Execution After Friends’ Executions
James Robertson, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted of murdering his parents, seeks to represent himself, potentially accelerating his execution. This decision follows the recent executions of five fellow inmates, including his best friend, significantly impacting the death row population. A federal judge has granted a delay to ensure Robertson understands the ramifications of self-representation, ordering an evaluation to confirm his competency. Robertson’s history includes previous attempts to drop his appeals, indicating a potential pattern of behavior, although he has expressed understanding of his friend’s similar decision to volunteer for execution.
John Q. Hosedrinker