Texas Judge Steps Down From Death Row Case Amid Controversy Over Impartiality and Relationships

PALESTINE, Texas — A retired Texas judge, who earlier this year signed the execution warrant for death row inmate Robert Roberson, has withdrawn from presiding over his case. The recusal of Senior State District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans was filed in Anderson County this Monday, though no specific reasons were detailed in the public filings. Roberson, 54, was found guilty in 2003 of the capital murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, who suffered from chronic illness. During his trial, prosecutors presented allegations that Roberson had violently shaken Nikki, leading to her death. Roberson has … Read more

Texas Judge Steps Down From Death Row Case Amid Controversy and Calls for Recusal

PALESTINE, Texas — A retired Texas judge who earlier this year authorized the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson has stepped away from his case. The announcement was made in a court filing by Senior State District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans in Anderson County on Monday, though the reasons for her recusal were not specified. Roberson was condemned for the 2003 capital murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, who suffered from chronic health issues. Prosecutors argued that Roberson violently shook Nikki, leading to her death. Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his … Read more

Judge Steps Down From Arizona Case After Email Critical of Harris Attacks Surfaces

Phoenix, Arizona – A state judge recently withdrew from a crucial legal case amid controversy over a contentious email he authored, criticizing the attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. The email, which expressed strong rebuke of such assaults, became a decisive factor in the judge’s decision to step aside, acknowledging that his impartiality might be perceived as compromised. The email in question, sent from the judge’s official account, condemned what he described as baseless and harmful attacks directed towards the Vice President. The recusal came to light as the sensitivity surrounding the matter could have … Read more