michellepitcher.bsky.social @TexasObserver | I have a Pulitzer lol | @UCBSOJ
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Yesterday's statement seemed aimed at making legislators' defense of Roberson politically untenable. It comes amid an ongoing battle between Ken Paxton and Texas House republicans like @leachfortexas #RobertRoberson
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Last night, the Texas AG issued a statement rehashing the original case against Robert Roberson—much of which has been discredited—without any acknowledgement of developments over the past 20 years. Roberson's defense team just issued a rebuttal: tinyurl.com/y64zxfyc
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Blink and you'd miss John Grisham's testimony. Now a former juror in Roberson's original case is testifying. "Everything that was presented to us was all about shaken baby syndrome". Says now she would now find him not guilty.
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@DrPhil's testimony lasted about 2.5 hours. Next up, author and former Mississippi state rep. John Grisham. He starts by applauding the legislators for stepping in. "If not for you, Robert would be in his grave today."
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“I am 100 percent convinced that we’re facing a miscarriage of justice here. I do not believe that Mr. Roberson has had due process in this case. I do not believe he has yet enjoyed a fair trial.” -@DrPhil, first witness in today's legislative hearing
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The witness list includes @DrPhil, author John Grisham, former CCA Judge Elsa Alcala, and Roberson's attorney Gretchen Sween
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Rep. Joe Moody says the committee is talking with the AG's office to figure out how to accommodate Roberson's testimony. He says Zoom isn't an option due to Roberson's autism.
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The crowd of journalists and members of the public maxed out the largest committee room at the Texas State Capitol ahead of the hearing on the state's junk science law and the death penalty. Looks like Robert Roberson may not appear in person—or via Zoom.
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The Texas Supreme Court has stayed Robert Roberson's execution, four hours after he was scheduled to die. This came after an unprecedented intervention from state lawmakers at the eleventh hour: texasobserver.org/robert-rob…
The Court of Criminal Appeals struck down the Travis County judge's temporary restraining order. The legislators are appealing the decision to the Texas Supreme Court.
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Judge Jessica Mangrum approved a temporary restraining order based on the legislative subpoena issued yesterday. The state indicated it will take it up with the CCA and the AG's office will continue to fight for the execution to go through.
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BREAKING: A Travis County Judge just blocked Robert Roberson's execution to allow him to testify in a legislative hearing next week. He was scheduled to be executed in less than two hours.
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The bipartisan Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence issued a subpoena for Roberson, compelling him to testify in an October 21 hearing—four days after his scheduled execution. texasobserver.org/robert-rob… - via @TexasObserver
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UPDATE: Courts have long denied Ruben Gutierrez the chance to prove that DNA would exonerate him. He came within 20 minutes of being executed in July. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear his case. texasobserver.org/ruben-guti…
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It's been a rocky few years for DA Kim Ogg—case backlogs, political infighting, harsh criticism from both sides. Yesterday, much of her voter support base chose to jump ship. texasobserver.org/ogg-da-hou… - via @TexasObserver
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Last night, the State of Texas executed Ivan Cantu, despite the original jury foreperson saying he felt "fooled" by the trial and no longer believed in the conviction. texasobserver.org/ivan-cantu… - via @TexasObserver
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Today I'm listening to arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court about whether subjects of domestic violence protective orders should keep their guns. For background: texasobserver.org/protective… - via @TexasObserver
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For the upcoming @TexasObserver issue, I visited a historical Austin site that's haunted by more than just ghosts. texasobserver.org/confederat…
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I'm poking my head out of my social media-free cave to share some things I'm proud of and to ask for y'all's help in supporting @TexasObserver during our Fall Membership drive. We're still kicking and would love to continue to do so into the new year! hype.co/@texasobserver/zdmn6…
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I've been at the courthouse following jury selection for the case against Austin PD Officer Christopher Taylor this week for @TexasObserver. After days of consideration, looks like yet another group of prospective jurors will have to be brought in next week to fill out the jury.
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Old patterns are already repeating as DPS troopers patrol Austin. I spoke with Shandra Hodge, whose son was shot and killed by troopers during a traffic stop during the agency's time in Dallas in 2019: texasobserver.org/he-failed-… - via @TexasObserver
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