AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Supreme Court has once again paved the way for the execution of Robert Roberson, who is poised to become the first individual in the United States to be executed following a murder conviction linked to a shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, a matter that has raised controversy among some medical professionals.

Roberson was found guilty of murdering his 2-year-old daughter in 2003, and his execution by lethal injection was scheduled for October 17. However, the date was postponed after a bipartisan group of Texas legislators, including those who doubt Roberson’s guilt, issued an extraordinary subpoena compelling him to testify at the Capitol shortly before the scheduled execution.

This unconventional legal maneuver successfully delayed the execution temporarily. Nonetheless, the Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday that a legislative subpoena does not have the power to halt an execution, thereby clearing the way for the state to proceed with the execution unless Republican Governor Greg Abbott intervenes with a 30-day reprieve. As of now, no new execution date has been established.

Timeline of the case:

**February 2003**: Roberson is found guilty of the murder of his daughter, Nikki Curtis, in Palestine, Texas. The prosecution argued that the child succumbed to severe head trauma caused by violent shaking.

**July 2024**: After many failed appeals over the years, Roberson’s execution is slated for October 17.

**September 2024**: A coalition of nearly 90 lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties submits a clemency petition to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, advocating for Roberson’s life to be spared based on their belief that Nikki died due to severe pneumonia rather than abuse. This petition was supported by the former lead investigator of the case, various medical experts, civil rights advocates, and author John Grisham.

**October 16**: The parole board votes unanimously, 6-0, against recommending clemency, meaning Governor Abbott can only grant it if he receives such a recommendation. With the execution looming, a Texas House committee calls for Roberson to testify in a hearing planned for after the scheduled execution date.

**October 18**: The Texas Supreme Court temporarily rules in favor of the lawmakers, allowing Roberson to testify, which successfully postpones his execution.

**October 21**: Roberson fails to appear at the committee hearing amid objections from the attorney general’s office. Notable figures, including celebrity host “Dr. Phil” McGraw and author John Grisham, testify in the committee, arguing that Roberson’s conviction was based on questionable scientific evidence.

**November 15**: The Texas Supreme Court rules that a legislative subpoena does not hold authority over execution proceedings.

As the situation unfolds, Roberson’s case continues to raise questions and draw significant public interest regarding the complexities of the legal system and the potential implications of scientific debates in the judicial process.