The Texas Supreme Court has halted the execution of Robert Roberson in a shaken baby syndrome case

The Texas Supreme Court temporarily halted the controversial execution of Robert Roberson on Thursday evening in an unorthodox move by Texas lawmakers.

Roberson, 57, was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis in 2002. Roberson took her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.

Roberson’s attorneys have disputed that diagnosis, calling it “junk science.” They say Nikki died of natural causes, likely undiagnosed pneumonia.

A coalition of lawmakers and the case’s lead detective have argued that the science supporting Roberson’s death sentence does not hold up.

The case has attracted national attention.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers on a Texas House Committee voted in a stunning move to subpoena Roberson to testify before them in a last-ditch effort to save his life.

The Texas Supreme Court stayed the case based on the subpoena because it raises questions about the separation of powers.

“(Roberson) was shocked. He praised God and thanked his supporters,” said Amanda Hernandez of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, who spoke with Roberson after the verdict was handed down.

The ruling was one of several in Thursday’s case.

Travis County District Judge Jessica Mangrum issued the temporary restraining order less than two hours before 6 p.m., when Roberson was scheduled to be executed in Huntsville.

Hours later, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned that ruling.

Shortly before 10 p.m., the Texas Supreme Court issued its stay.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request from Roberson’s lawyers to stay the execution.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor said the case presented by Roberson’s attorneys had “no discernible federal claim.”

“Under these circumstances, a stay that allows for examination of Roberson’s credible claims of factual innocence is absolutely necessary; yet this Court cannot grant it. That leaves only one avenue for relief open: an executive stay,” wrote Sotomayor.

Roberson’s lawyers have asked Governor Greg Abbott for a 30-day extension.

Protesters and a bipartisan group of Texas House members gathered outside the prison in Huntsville.

“This man has been on death row for 22 years and we hope that with today’s ruling, the Texas House, together with the state and the Supreme Court’s decision, will finally be able to help bring this case to light. the truths in this matter. We believe this is an innocent man and that the facts have not come to light. We hope this hearing will give people the opportunity to hear the facts here,” said State Rep. John Bucy (D-Williamson County). ).

Roberson would be the first person in the U.S. to be executed for a murder conviction related to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.