Texas execution of man in shaken baby case halted

The Texas Supreme Court halted the execution of a man sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of his 2-year-old daughter.  A jury convicted Robert Roberson of killing the toddler in a case of “shaken baby syndrome,” which his attorneys, as well as Texas lawmakers and medical experts, now say was based on faulty and outdated scientific evidence related to the diagnosis. 

The diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome refers to a serious brain injury caused when a child’s head is hurt through shaking or some other violent impact, like being slammed against a wall or thrown on the floor, according to the Associated Press. However, Roberson’s lawyers say doctors misdiagnosed his daughter’s injuries as being related to shaken baby syndrome and that new evidence has shown the girl died from complications related to severe pneumonia.

The Supreme Court of Texas has granted a Texas House of Representatives' emergency motion in part and issued a stay, effectively halting the execution of Robert Roberson. Find the order here: https://t.co/puuibHZW7R

— Supreme Court of TX (@SupremeCourt_TX) October 18, 2024

The last-minute stay came just over one hour before Roberson’s death warrant was set to expire. Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesperson Amanda Hernandez, who spoke with Roberson after the court stayed his execution, said he was shocked “to say the least.”

“He praised God and he thanked his supporters. And that’s pretty much what he had to say,” Hernandez said.

However, a legal battle is still ongoing, and a new execution date could be set after Roberson’s potential testimony before Texas lawmakers next week.

A House committee subpoenaed him on Wednesday, Oct. 16, as it reconsiders the lawfulness of his conviction.