Texas court halts execution, raising doubts over conviction
The Texas Supreme Court has decided to temporarily halt the execution of Robert Roberson, who was sentenced to death. This decision was made just minutes after the highest criminal court in the state of Texas granted permission for the execution to be carried out at the Huntsville prison.
6:13 AM EDT, October 19, 2024
Roberson was found guilty of murdering his two-year-old daughter in 2002. The girl suffered from shaken baby syndrome. The execution was scheduled for Friday, as confirmed by the decision issued on October 17. However, the sentence was not completed at the scheduled time, so Judge David Newell must issue a new execution order.
23.5 hours a day in solitary confinement
A panel of the Texas House of Representatives filed a motion to postpone Roberson's execution, as he claims he is innocent. Travis County Judge Jessica Mangrum approved this motion.
"For over 20 years, Roberson has spent 23.5 hours of every single day in solitary confinement in a cell no bigger than the closets of most Texans, longing and striving to be heard. And while some courthouses may have failed him, the Texas House has not. We're deeply grateful to the Texas Supreme Court for respecting the role of the Texas Legislature in such consequential matters. We look forward to welcoming Robert to the Texas Capitol, and along with 31 million Texans, finally giving him—and the truth—a chance to be heard," stated state legislators Joe Moody and Jeff Leach in a joint statement.
Appeals and court decisions
The United Press International (UPI) reported that despite numerous appeals and legal actions, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene in Roberson's case. Justice Sonia Sotomayor explained that the Supreme Court could only intervene if Roberson presented evidence of his innocence.
Supporters of Roberson emphasize that the courts should consider evidence suggesting the cause of his daughter's death could have been various medical conditions and improper medication, not murder.
Support for Roberson's release
The chief detective who helped convict Roberson, Brian Wharton, has now become one of the main advocates for his release.
"I’m ashamed that I was so focused on finding an offender and convicting someone that I did not see Robert. I did not hear his voice," Wharton admitted in an interview with the Texas Tribune.
In an interview with NBC News, Roberson once again called on Governor Greg Abbott to stop the execution, emphasizing his innocence. "Look at the support I've got, Mr. Governor, and I'm just hoping, praying that you do the right thing," he said.
