Latest news with #AndersonCounty
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Robert Roberson's lawyers challenge Ken Paxton's push to set execution date for death row inmate
Attorneys for death row inmate Robert Roberson have filed a formal objection to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's request to set an execution date, citing ongoing legal proceedings and compelling new evidence of Roberson's innocence. On Monday, Paxton asked the Anderson County District Court to schedule a new date for Roberson's execution. Roberson was convicted of capital murder in connection with the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter. Shaken baby syndrome disputed Robert Roberson CNN Prosecutors alleged that Roberson killed the child by violently shaking her — a diagnosis commonly referred to at the time as shaken baby syndrome. However, Roberson's attorneys now argue that this diagnosis is outdated and too vague to support a criminal conviction. They cite new evidence suggesting that the child may have died from underlying illness, medical error, or accidental causes, not abuse. "There is no justification for the Attorney General's relentless effort to kill an innocent human being — and no state law or moral law that authorizes seeking an execution date under these circumstances," said Gretchen Sween, one of Roberson's attorneys. Paxton defends conviction Paxton's office has defended the original conviction by releasing the autopsy report and a letter from the medical examiner, which concluded that Roberson's daughter died from blunt force trauma, not illness or accident. Roberson's attorneys contend he was "wrongfully convicted of causing the tragic 2002 death of his chronically ill toddler daughter, Nikki." In October 2024, Roberson's execution was halted just hours before it was scheduled, after the Texas Supreme Court granted a last-minute civil appeal. Broad support for appeal Roberson's legal team had filed the appeal with support from a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers, medical experts and even the former lead prosecutor in his case. They raised serious concerns about the scientific basis of his conviction, which relied heavily on the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Roberson had been subpoenaed to testify before a Texas House committee about the state's "junk science" law, a statute allowing relief for individuals convicted using outdated or invalid scientific evidence. However, he was unable to testify due to security concerns and the legislature's refusal to allow virtual testimony, citing his autism and lack of technological familiarity after decades in prison. Dr. Phil testified in his place The subpoena remains active, and the hearing proceeded without him. In his place, others — including television host Dr. Phil — testified, challenging the medical evidence used to convict Roberson and calling for a reexamination of the case. Roberson's habeas corpus petition — presenting new evidence to support his innocence — is currently under review by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Attorneys cite new evidence In a statement on behalf of Roberson, Sween said Paxton's "unjustified rush to seek an execution date while that new evidence of innocence is before the court is outrageous." "Robert's attorneys have amassed overwhelming innocence evidence — including more unrebutted evidence since last fall — proving that Robert's daughter died because of illness, medical error, and accident, none of which was Robert's fault," she said. "Robert was almost wrongfully executed last year. But for the courageous intervention of Texas lawmakers from both parties the worst possible injustice would have been an irrevocable stain on Texas. "New information continues to come to light proving Robert's innocence and we are grateful that his habeas application with that new evidence is currently being considered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals." CBS News Texas will provide updates as this story continues to unfold.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Girl, 15, vanishes 'with man, 41' and leaves behind note that is every parent's worst nightmare
A South Carolina teen vanished on Friday after leaving behind a suicide note and is believed to be with a 41-year-old man. Chloe Renae Alexander, 15, was last seen in Gaffney, a city on the border of North and South Carolina, before vanishing, leaving behind her cell phone and the note. The Gaffney Police Department has launched a search for the teen and is enlisting the public for help in the case. Although it is unclear where Alexander went, police believe she has been communicating with a man named Ricky Dean Clinton. It's unclear what his relation is to the child. Police said they have no reason to believe that Clinton is hurting Alexander. Authorities haven't disclosed what Alexander may be wearing. Anyone with information on the teen's whereabouts has been asked to contact Major Brian Blanton with Gaffney Police. A day before she disappeared, Alexander posted photos on her Facebook account with her parents and tagged the Anderson County Department of Children's Services. 'Mom, Dad, I can't even put in words how much I miss ya'll and love ya'll and only if i could have ya'll back in my life i would do anything,' she wrote in the caption. 'I really can't imagine my life without you guys. I love ya'll so much and I'm so thankful for God putting ya'll in my life. 'I'm so appreciative for all them things ya'll have done for me you I promise I will finish school and get my degree and make something out of my life.' reached out to the Anderson County Department of Children's Services for more information on the post, but didn't immediately hear back. Her mother also seems to be active on Facebook, asking for help from the public on Monday. 'Facebook community. I have started a community to help share information about the where abouts of my daughter. She is still missing,' the post read. 'If you think of anything or know anything, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please contact someone. Gaffney PD released a missing person alert for Alexander 'Police , anderson county sheriff's office or dss. If you see her. Let someone know immediately. Thank you.' reached out to the Gaffney Police Department and Anderson County Sheriff's Office for an update on the case and clarification on Alexander's relationship to Clinton, but didn't immediately hear back.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Anderson County judge declares state of disaster after flooding
PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) – Anderson County Judge Carey G. McKinney has declared a local state of disaster for the county after severe weather flooded parts of the county last week. Major flooding in Palestine as 3 inches of heavy rain drops McKinney declared the state of disaster in order to activate Anderson County's emergency management plan that will help them recover from property damage done by storms and flooding from June 10 to June 12. 'The Judge of the County of Anderson has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property,' McKinney said. Palestine Police Department Chief Mark Harcrow said the city got at least three inches of rain in an hour during the storms. The disaster declaration will last for seven days unless extended by the Anderson County Commissioner's court. Homeowners with flood damage can scan the following QR Code to fill out the Texas Division of Emergency Management's survey for last week's severe weather damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Firefighters stabilize Longview home hit by vehicle
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) — Longview Fire Department personnel had to install support post in an unstable home on Monday after a vehicle crashed into the side of the residence. 57-year-old man arrested for burglary in Longview after alarm activation The Longview Fire Department said they responded to a vehicle accident involving a home in the 100 block of Blue Ridge Parkway that caused the residence to become unstable. Personnel had to install hydraulic struts in the corner of the home's garage while posts were built to support the home's weight. Anderson County judge declares state of disaster after flooding According to the department, the posts were put in place to provide more stability and safety for occupants and nobody was injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund accepting applications from 20 East TN counties
The East Tennessee Foundation's CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund is accepting applications for the 2025 grant cycle. Through an employee-led Investment Advisory Committee, Consolidated Nuclear Security Y-12 employees help direct funding to where it is most needed across Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties. In 2025, the fund will prioritize grants supporting three areas: Acute Mental Health Support: Programs providing immediate, short-term response to individuals in crisis. Pre and Postnatal Family Services: Programs offering access to healthcare, education, and support services before and after childbirth. Early Learning and Academic Support: Programs that help develop reading, writing, and numeracy skills in children and youth. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, houses of worship, or public educational institutions proposing programs and projects that benefit the lives of residents in the 20-county footprint listed above. Applications must be submitted using the ETF's online grant system no later than 6 p.m. EST on June 11. Grants will range up to $15,000 and will be awarded in September for one-year terms, beginning Sept. 15 and concluding Sept. 14, 2026, according to a news release. To learn more and access the online application, visit For more information, contact the ETF Grantmaking Team, by phone at 865-524-1223 ext.144, toll-free at 1-877-524-1223 ext. 144, or by email at grantmaking@ The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity and nationally accredited community foundation focused on serving a 25-county region in East Tennessee. As a community foundation, the ETF operates as a collection of hundreds of distinct charitable funds and supporting organizations established by individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofits. The ETF builds endowments, creating a permanent source of philanthropic funding for East Tennessee. For more information, visit This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Community Investment Fund accepting applications from 20 counties
