Robert Roberson, Texas death row inmate, subpoenaed to appear before Texas House committee

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas lawmakers subpoenaed death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify at the state capitol on Friday afternoon. The subpoena followed the Texas Supreme Court ruling that while lawmakers cannot block the execution, they can still require testimony beforehand. 

"It's going to be really interesting to see if he actually comes on Friday because it's probably this committee's last chance to have him subpoenaed and brought to Austin," said Sam Bassett, a criminal defense attorney. 

Roberson faces execution for the death of his two-year-old daughter back in 2002. 

"I think the committee is interested in documenting everything they can about the case to try to persuade public opinion and to persuade the courts to take another look at this case," said Bassett. 

The case gained national attention as he could be the first person in the U.S. to be executed for a murder caused by shaken baby syndrome. 

"It had a lot of drama in stopping the last execution because of the way the legislature approached it in this committee and the particular approach to it," said Bassett. "So it's very unusual set of circumstances." 

Some lawmakers have accused Attorney General Ken Paxton of intentionally being slow in his response. Paxton is why the inmate did not appear to testify at the house committee meeting in October. 

The AG stated it was due to security and logistical concerns. 

"It's going to be a challenge logistically probably to get him here on Friday," said Bassett." It'll be interesting to see how the Department of Criminal Justice responds to the subpoena requiring him to appear in person." 

Bassett said it could take at least three to six months before a new execution date is issued for Roberson. 

Roberson's attorneys argue the diagnosis of the toddler's death is based on "junk science." However, the state stands by its decision.