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October 22, 2024

Juror in Robert Roberson's 2003 Murder Trial Testifies to Texas Lawmakers After Execution Reprieve
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Texas lawmakers heard testimony Monday in the case of death row prisoner
Robert Roberson, whose execution last week was halted at the 11th hour
by the Texas Supreme Court. But Roberson, who had been subpoenaed, did
not appear before the Texas House Committee, after his lawyers
determined it was not appropriate due to Roberson's communication
challenges linked to his autism. Roberson's 2003 murder conviction was
based on the "shaken baby syndrome" theory, which has never been
scientifically validated. Among those who did testify Monday was Terre
Compton, a juror in Roberson's 2003 trial.

Terre Compton: "I started thinking back about all the things that I knew
about that went on in the trial, and I just realized and I just finally
came to the conclusion he was an innocent man. And I just - in good
conscience, I could not live with myself thinking that I had a hand in
putting an innocent man to death."

The Texas House panel says they will seek alternatives to hear directly
from Roberson as they continue to consider his case.


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