This past week, the State Libertarian Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) passed a vote to publicly support clemency for Mr. Robert Roberson who is scheduled to be executed by the State of Texas on October 17.

Video: Stop the Oct. 17 Execution of Robert Roberson

Roberson was sentenced to death in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, whom prosecutors alleged had died of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). However, in the 20-plus years Mr. Roberson has been on death row, scientists - not to mention the lead detective in the case - have reversed their opinions.

“We oppose the death penalty in all cases,” said Jessi Cowart, Vice Chair of LPTexas. “In fact, it’s specifically called out in our party’s Platform. The death penalty not only fails to deter violent crime, but it is an even bigger financial burden to taxpayers than life imprisonment. We condemn state-sponsored violence in all its forms.”

I.6.e. Capital Punishment​

LPTexas opposes the death penalty as a form of punishment by the state, as well as any other unnecessary use of force by state agents in response to criminal action.

“This will continue to be a legislative area of focus for us," said Cowart. “Since the late-1970s, the State of Texas has executed as many prisoners as the next six states combined. That’s an obscene statistic, especially when you imagine how many times the state has gotten it wrong. Abolishing the death penalty in Texas is long overdue.”

LPTexas joins multiple organizations imploring Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant clemency to Mr. Roberson, including our coalition partner Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) and the Innocence Project.

Individuals who support clemency for Mr. Roberson can sign a petition (representing yourself) here and leverage this social media toolkit to help spread awareness.