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For Immediate Release
September 28, 2024
Contact: Ellic Sahualla, (915) 667-2634
Texas State Representatives
Visit Robert Roberson on Death Row
Austin, TX—Yesterday, a bipartisan group of legislators from the Texas House
of Representatives met with Robert Roberson on death row in Livingston. The
meeting followed last week’s letter (attached) from 86 state representatives to the
Board of Pardons and Paroles urging clemency for Mr. Roberson.
Members shared their thoughts on the experience in a press conference
immediately after the visit and also submitted the following statements:
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Joe Moody (D-El Paso)
I thought I’d be bringing Robert a message of hope today, but instead, I left
inspired myself. He’s clearly suffered greatly, but he was still optimistic and
future-focused as he told us about the good he wants to do for other people
who’ve gone through what he’s experienced. His faith and spirit just reinforced
my commitment to fighting for him so that he has that chance—and so that this
injustice never happens to another Texan.
Lacey Hull (R-Houston)
Meeting Robert truly brought home the tragic reality of his situation. Despite his
pending execution, he is full of hope and faith and a desire to help others. He
still grieves the loss of his daughter and is hopeful and thankful to everyone
helping his cause. I am praying that he sees the justice and new trial that he and
Nikki deserve.
John Bucy III (D-Cedar Park)
Robert Roberson has spent 20 years in prison for the death of his daughter
despite strong evidence of his innocence—and in 20 days, he will be killed by the
state if we don’t act.
Today, a bipartisan coalition of Texas House members went to visit Robert on
death row. We are calling for clemency in his case as new evidence and improved
science have cast doubt on his conviction.
To have full faith and confidence in our justice system, we must act when it
is clearly necessary to uphold fairness and common sense—and the time to act
is now.
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Salman Bhojani (D-Euless)
As a state legislator, I could not stand by idly as our state prepares to execute a
likely innocent person. Evidence and science prove Nikki’s death was likely
accidental or due to natural causes, and Mr. Roberson deserves our compassion
and mercy. I appreciate TDCJ allowing my colleagues and me to meet with him
and express our concerns about this perversion of justice.
Kronda Thimesch (R-Lewisville)
I met Robert Roberson today, and after learning about his case, I am urgently
joining my House colleagues in requesting that his scheduled execution be halted
so that Mr. Roberson can receive a fair trial based on scientific evidence.
With the enormous power of a capital punishment penalty must also come the
monumental responsibility to make sure we are getting it right. If the State of
Texas is going to end a life, it cannot be under the shadow of junk science with
far too many questions unanswered.
Christian Manuel (D-Port Arthur)
I cannot in good conscience be silent as our state seeks to execute Robert
Roberson, a man with autism who has been mourning the tragic death of his
two-year-old daughter for the last 22 years.
As a state and as a legislative body, we must reaffirm our commitment to justice
and criminal justice reform. And we have to take better care of Texans with autism
and how they are treated in our society.