Execution Halted for Robert Roberson: Hope for Autism and Disability Advocates (10/18/24)

Texas Supreme Court Grants Last-Minute Stay of Execution Following Coordinated Advocacy Efforts

In an historic and coordinated effort, the Autism Society of America, its Autism Justice Center, the Autism Society of Texas, the Innocence Project, and many others have succeeded in halting the execution of Robert Roberson, an Autistic Texas man. Just 90 minutes before the scheduled execution, the Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary stay, following a bipartisan move by Texas legislators to subpoena Roberson for testimony before the Texas Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence on October 21st—just days after his scheduled execution. This extraordinary action is widely regarded as a critical last effort to save Roberson’s life.

Mounting evidence has discredited the flawed science used to convict Roberson for the tragic death of his toddler in 2002, further underscoring the need for justice.

Christopher S. Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, expressed his relief and hope for the future: “This stay of execution is a crucial step towards justice for Robert Roberson and individuals like him. The flawed science, compounded by misconceptions of Autism, contributed to this wrongful conviction. This is exactly why we need the Autism Society’s Justice Center. We will not stop fighting until Robert receives the justice he deserves, and we will continue to stand against the injustices for those with Autism and other developmental disabilities.”

“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of Mr. Roberson’s legal team and the Innocence Project, and all those who raised their voices to call for justice,” continues Banks.

Autism and disability advocates have long denounced the inaccurate and harmful portrayals of Roberson as “cold and unfeeling” during his trial. In the days leading up to the stay, our community mobilized. Over the past few months, the Autism Society and Autism Society of Texas has issued press statements, sent action alerts, and conducted a collaborative communications strategy with other disability rights organizations; through on the ground advocacy efforts by Autism Society Texas, and our Autism Justice Center team, we delivered over 350 letters to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, demanding clemency for Robert Roberson. Our call for justice was echoed by the Dallas Morning News, which published our letter-to-the-editor on October 13, 2024. Our CEO, Christopher Banks, also

personally advocated with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, underscoring the need for mercy.

“We are so grateful to the bipartisan group of state legislators who tirelessly worked to prevent this injustice and continue to do so,” said Jacquie Benestante, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Texas. “Their commitment, alongside our community’s advocacy, has given Robert Roberson another chance at justice. We especially want to thank our partners at the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.”

The fight is far from over. We remain committed to working with our partners at the Innocence Project, the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and others to ensure that justice prevails. Texans, please continue to use and share our Action Alert to message Governor Abbott, urging him to grant clemency to Robert Roberson. If you are not in Texas, you can support Robert by signing the Innocence Project’s Petition. Stay tuned for next steps as we continue to advocate for Robert Roberson and others like him.”