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Lawmakers race to halt execution of Robert Roberson
Amid bipartisan calls for a stay of execution and new evidence, Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his daughter, is scheduled to be executed on October 16.
Robert Roberson says he’s not scared of dying and if his execution is upheld, he’s ready.
Bi-Partisan lawmakers are calling for a miracle as they traveled to a state prison on Wednesday afternoon to meet with Robert Roberson, eight days before Roberson’s scheduled execution.
Questions on Science and the Original Trial
Big picture view:
Roberson has spent nearly 23 years on death row, convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki.
In 2003, prosecutors at Roberson’s trial argued he hit and violently shook his daughter, causing severe head trauma, but Roberson’s lawyers and some medical experts say his daughter died from complications related to pneumonia.
They also question the science behind "shaken-baby syndrome." The medical industry considers it a diagnosis, but recent studies challenge its validity.
New evidence emerges in Robert Roberson's Texas death row case
In a new interview, allegations came to light that the judge who presided over Roberson's trial had previously given family members permission to take Roberson's daughter off life support.
Roberson’s current attorneys argued his undiagnosed autism at the time of trial helped convict him because his flat demeanor was seen as a sign of guilt.
"And when I hear Robert Roberson look me in the eye today and tell me they wouldn’t let me tell my side of the story at the trial, and he didn’t even know at that time that he has autism, and so he didn’t know he could argue with his lawyer. He didn’t know he could go to the judge and say I want to speak. He didn’t know any of that. His lawyer just said sit down and shut up. That’s wrong. That’s wrong," said Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Allen).
Last year, Roberson was on the verge of execution until bi-partisan lawmakers issued a subpoena which resulted in the Texas Supreme Court pausing the execution. In July, a judge set next week’s execution date.
Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson won't seek clemency before Oct. execution
Instead, Roberson's defense is asking for a new trial in the case, claiming that new evidence could lead to his exoneration after his conviction based, at least in part, on "junk science."
A "Stain on This State"
Local perspective:
"Robert is a gentle sweet man who is ready for a new trial," said Rep. Lacey Hull (R-Houston).
"If Robert is executed, justice will not be served at all. It will be a stain on this state. A stain on this nation."
"It’s never too late to make a wrong right," said State Rep. Rhett Bowers (D-Rowlett).
Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson asks for stay of new execution date
Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson is asking the state's Court of Criminal Appeals to stay his October execution.
Roberson Speaks: 'I Never Shook Her'
What they're saying:
Roberson spoke about his daughter in a newly released interview with the Associated Press.
"I never shook her, hit her, or nothing, no sir, no sir."
"Like I said, it was bad enough losing my little girl and then when they accused me of it, I couldn't believe it."
"For many, many years, I thought about how would she be like today and stuff, you know, and what type of life we would have out there and stuff, you know."
"I will always remember her, always, as long as I'm breathing and stuff, I always remember her."
The Final Hope: Appeals and the Governor's Power
Dig deeper:
These lawmakers say there’s not much they can do. So, they’re calling on people who can take action. Roberson’s case is under several appeals. If a judge does not step in…
"The Governor can grant a stay. He can do that 30-day stay and push the courts to take another look," said State Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin).
"I'm not scared to die, but I'm not ready to die, you know. I would like to believe that God has more for me to do, and stuff, you know. And I would like people to remember me by my perseverance, my persistence, never giving up, you know," said Roberson.
Group holds rally in Austin in support of death row inmate Robert Roberson
Supporters will gather at the Texas State Capitol Saturday afternoon to offer their support for death row inmate Robert Roberson in his fight for a new trial ahead of his scheduled execution.
What's next:
Roberson's execution date is still set for October 16.
The Source: Information in this article was provided from previous coverage of the Robert Roberson trial.