Robert Roberson, an autistic death row inmate, has once again been served with a legislative subpoena by the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee—directing him to appear at the state capitol on Friday for a hearing.
In a written statement sent to the Latin Times, Roberson's defense attorney, Gretchen Sween, responded to the subpoena:
"Robert is eager to testify and grateful for the chance to be heard. We will do all we can to cooperate, and I profoundly hope that his ability to appear is not obstructed by those who, for whatever reason, do not want the lawmakers and the public to hear from him directly about his experience trying to communicate his innocence."
Roberson's October 17 execution was halted at the last minute by bipartisan members of the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee who had initially subpoenaed him for a hearing that took place Oct. 21. The hearing focused on how "junk science," particularly outdated and discredited evidence like Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), may have influenced the inmate's conviction.
However, Roberson did not make it to the initial hearing after Attorney General Ken Paxton opposed an in-person appearance. Paxton cited safety concerns about having him exit his Houston-area prison. It is unclear whether the Attorney General will try to impede Roberson's testimony once again due to the hearing's symbolic nature.
In November, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the committee could no longer intervene in Roberson's execution, clearing the way for state officials to schedule a new execution date. Nevertheless, the judge assigned to Roberson's case recused herself that same month, meaning that a new execution date cannot be set until a new judge is appointed to the case.
Roberson's case has garnered national attention as widespread calls for clemency from hundreds of advocates–including celebrities and medical experts– who cite medical evidence that shows Roberson's 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, could have died from severe pneumonia rather than physical abuse attributed to Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has denied multiple appeals filed by Roberson's defense and top state officials, such as Governor Greg Abbott, have also opposed revisiting the case.
Originally published on Latin Times
