Judge Deborah Oakes Evans recused herself from the Robert Roberson case, delaying his impending execution for the murder of his two-year-old daughter. Roberson, convicted in 2003, maintains his innocence, claiming his daughter’s death resulted from a fall and medication side effects, not abuse. The case has drawn significant public attention and legal challenges, particularly concerning the diagnosis of “shaken baby syndrome.” With Judge Evans’ recusal, the district attorney will determine the next steps in the proceedings.
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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.
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