Dr. Phil McGraw and best-selling author John Grisham testified before Texas lawmakers to halt the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson, who was convicted based on debunked Shaken Baby Syndrome. The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence is considering overhauling Texas laws related to “junk science” convictions. McGraw, who is also a clinical psychologist, believes Roberson was wrongfully convicted. He has conducted research with the Innocence Project on the case and raised concerns about the reliability of forensic evidence. Grisham also testified in favor of Roberson’s innocence.
Roberson was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter Nikki in 2002. Doctors and investigators concluded she died of shaken baby syndrome, but it was later found that she had pre-existing conditions consistent with pneumonia, sepsis, and opioid medication. The lead investigator in the case admitted to botching the investigation, stating that Roberson was innocent.
The stay of Roberson’s execution was achieved through a series of legal maneuvers by lawmakers, including a successful subpoena for his testimony. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice initially refused to comply with the subpoena, but a temporary restraining order was issued by a judge. Governor Greg Abbott filed a request to overturn the subpoena, citing the separation of powers.
The House committee will continue hearings to assess Roberson’s case and the validity of the evidence used in his conviction. Roberson is expected to testify in person, despite opposition from the state Attorney General’s Office. The case highlights the potential for wrongful convictions based on flawed forensic evidence, calling into question the fairness of the justice system.
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