Texas AG Blocks Death Row Inmate's Testimony on Disputed 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' Conviction

Robert Roberson, whose execution was stayed over concerns about discredited forensic evidence, was barred from testifying to lawmakers about Texas' 'junk science' law.

• Robert Roberson, convicted in 2003 of capital murder based on 'shaken baby syndrome,' has maintained his innocence and was granted a stay of execution in October to testify before the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion invalidating a subpoena that would have allowed Roberson to testify, effectively preventing his appearance before the committee on December 20.
• Critics argue that Texas' 'junk science' law, intended to allow new trials in cases involving discredited forensic evidence, is ineffective, with Roberson's case cited as an example of its limitations.
• Medical experts have increasingly discredited 'shaken baby syndrome,' noting that symptoms attributed to it could stem from other causes, such as chronic illness or pneumonia, both of which Roberson's daughter experienced before her death.
• State lawmakers accused Paxton of obstructing efforts to address systemic issues in forensic evidence use, with some alleging intentional delays to prevent Roberson's testimony from being heard.

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