Roberson Execution Halted Amid Controversy Over Conviction

The execution of Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, was halted by the Texas Supreme Court following a subpoena for him to testify before the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. This unusual step, criticized by Governor Greg Abbott, aims to re-examine his conviction based on 'shaken baby syndrome', a diagnosis now deemed controversial and possibly debunked ('junk science'). Attorney General Ken Paxton supports the execution, arguing Roberson's conviction didn't rely solely on the syndrome but on evidence of blunt force trauma. A juror and medical professionals have since raised doubts, suggesting Nikki Curtis may have died from undiagnosed pneumonia. The case has highlighted issues with Texas' clemency powers and the impact of evolving scientific standards in capital cases. The committee's actions follow a similar case where another inmate's conviction was vacated due to the same flawed diagnosis.