The State of Texas just set a new execution date of Oct. 16 for Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter in 2002. Last October, the Supreme Court of Texas stepped in to stay his execution at the last minute, after state lawmakers raised questions about his potential innocence, but then lifted the stay one month later, clearing the way for this new execution date. For today’s episode, we revisit a conversation host Nikki DaVaughn had with Michelle Lyons shortly after the stay to break down Roberson’s case and Texas’ prolific use of the death penalty. And she knows all about it — Lyons, a former public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, has witnessed hundreds of executions and even wrote a memoir about her experiences. As you might imagine, this interview touches on some difficult topics, so please listen with care. 

This episode originally aired on November 12, 2024

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