Legal Maneuvers and Political Tensions
's scheduled execution was halted by the Texas , sparking a legal and political showdown over his 2003 conviction for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, which he claims was based on outdated science and faulty evidence.
Tensions escalated between bipartisan lawmakers advocating for Roberson's innocence and state Republican leaders, including Gov. , who criticized the legislative move to subpoena Roberson as crossing a line.
Public Support and Legislative Actions
Public figures like and , along with nearly 90 lawmakers across party lines, have called for a stay of execution, highlighting concerns over the reliance on discredited "shaken baby syndrome" theories.
The legislative committee's efforts to have Roberson testify in person were thwarted by the , which insisted on a virtual appearance, leading to further criticism from lawmakers citing Roberson's autism as a barrier to effective communication.