Texas Supreme Court Blocks Execution in Controversial Shaken Baby Case: Innocent Man or Justice Delayed? In a Late-Night Ruling, Execution of Robert Roberson, Convicted of Killing His 2-Year-Old Daughter, Halted

Texas Supreme Court Halts Execution of Man Convicted Under Shaken Baby Syndrome Diagnosis

In a late-night ruling, the Texas Supreme Court temporarily halted the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted in 2002 of murdering his 2-year-old daughter. This decision reignited debates over shaken baby syndrome, a controversial diagnosis central to his case.

Roberson, who was hours away from becoming the first person in the U.S. executed for a conviction tied to this diagnosis, has long maintained his innocence. The stay follows weeks of legal battles and bipartisan pressure from lawmakers who argue his conviction was based on flawed science.

Last-Minute Ruling Shocks Inmate

Roberson, confined in a holding cell near the death chamber at the Walls Unit in Huntsville, Texas, was shocked by the news of the stay.

“He was shocked, to say the least,” said Amanda Hernandez, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “He praised God and thanked his supporters.”

The 57-year-old will now return to the Polunsky Unit as his case awaits further review.

Extraordinary Legal Maneuvers to Save Roberson’s Life

The involvement of the Texas Supreme Court in Roberson’s case is unusual, as it typically handles civil, not criminal, matters. However, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers took extraordinary steps to delay his execution.

On Wednesday, these lawmakers issued a subpoena for Roberson to testify before a House committee, arguing that executing him before his testimony would violate legislative authority. This unprecedented move led to a series of legal challenges, culminating in the Texas Supreme Court’s decision to halt the execution just hours before it was scheduled.

Roberson is now set to testify before the committee next Monday. “This is an innocent man. There’s too much shadow of a doubt in this case,” said Democratic state Rep. John Bucy.

Governor and U.S. Supreme Court Did Not Intervene

Despite having the authority to delay Roberson’s execution, Governor Greg Abbott chose not to act. During his nearly ten years in office, Abbott has only intervened in one execution. Earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the execution, though Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a statement urging Abbott to delay it by 30 days.

Roberson’s legal team had hoped Abbott would grant him a reprieve after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously voted against commuting his sentence. The board, appointed by Abbott, also rejected a delay in execution.

Dispute Over Scientific Evidence

A key point in Roberson’s defense is that his conviction was based on outdated scientific evidence. Shaken baby syndrome, or abusive head trauma, was initially cited as the cause of his daughter’s death. However, Roberson’s lawyers argue that new medical evidence indicates she died from complications related to severe pneumonia, not abuse.

The case has brought attention to whether Texas law, which allows inmates to challenge convictions based on new scientific evidence, was properly applied. Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell, who prosecuted Roberson, stated that a 2022 court hearing upheld his conviction despite these new claims.

Renewed Debate on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Roberson’s case has rekindled debates over the legitimacy of shaken baby syndrome. Supporters, including bestselling author John Grisham and medical experts, argue the diagnosis is based on outdated science. They claim doctors misinterpreted the child’s injuries, which they believe were caused by a fall and pneumonia.

Additionally, Roberson’s attorneys argue that his undiagnosed autism at the time of his daughter’s death contributed to the wrongful conviction. His lack of emotional response was seen as suspicious by authorities, despite autism often affecting emotional expression and communication.

Conclusion

The Texas Supreme Court’s decision to halt Robert Roberson’s execution temporarily spares his life. However, his future remains uncertain as courts and lawmakers continue to evaluate the case. Roberson’s scheduled testimony could reveal whether the state sentenced an innocent man or upheld justice in a case fraught with medical and legal controversy. As the debate over shaken baby syndrome persists, the outcome of Roberson’s case may set a precedent for future cases relying on evolving scientific evidence.