Could Robert Roberson testify at the Texas lawmakers’ hearing?

Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson, who was set to testify at a state House committee hearing, is facing uncertainty after the state attorney general’s office filed a motion allowing the prison to disregard the subpoena. The office cited security risks and procedural defects with the subpoena. Roberson, who is on death row for the death of his daughter, has autism, and lawmakers had offered to meet him in prison instead of virtually. The House committee wants him to testify about a “junk science” law that allows inmates to challenge convictions based on advances in forensic science. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers cannot halt an execution, but committee members can compel Roberson to testify. The attorney general’s office has not set a new execution date for Roberson. Public sparring between lawmakers and the attorney general’s office over Roberson’s case continues, with each side releasing reports rebutting the other’s claims. Roberson’s defense argues that new understanding of shaken baby syndrome suggests other medical conditions could have caused his daughter’s death. The situation remains uncertain as the legal battle regarding Roberson’s testimony continues.

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