New Execution Date for Texas Death Row Inmate Robert Roberson Set

A Texas judge on Wednesday set a new execution date for death row inmate Robert Roberson. The previous execution date was halted after a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers who believed there was a chance Roberson was innocent.

The Texas Supreme Court issued a stay of the execution.

Execution Set for October 16

Texas Judge Austin Reeve Jackson set October 16 as the new date of execution for Robert Roberson. Roberson is accused of murdering his 2-year-old daughter in 2002. According to CNN, if he is executed, Roberson would be the first person in the United States executed for being convicted of shaken baby syndrome.

Roberson's Attorney Says He Is Innocent

Roberson, his attorney, and some state lawmakers believe he is innocent. A report from CNN says that his attorneys claim their is plenty of evidence showing that his daughter did not die due to child abuse.

Roberson’s attorneys say there is ample evidence his daughter did not die of child abuse but myriad health issues, including pneumonia, sepsis and a combination of prescribed medications now seen as inappropriate for children.

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Will Texas Lawmakers Step in Again?

A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers stirred controversy when they stepped in to prevent the execution. No word yet on if that will happen again.