The Texas Supreme Court temporarily stayed the controversial execution of Robert Roberson Thursday evening, after an unorthodox decision by Texas lawmakers.

Roberson, 57, was convicted of murdering his 2-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis in 2002. Roberson took her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with “shaken baby syndrome.”

Roberson’s lawyers disputed this diagnosis, calling it “junk science.” They say Nikki died of natural causes, possibly from undiagnosed pneumonia.

A coalition of lawmakers and the lead detective in the case argued that the science supporting Roberson’s death sentence did not hold water.

The case attracted national attention.

In a stunning move Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers on a Texas House committee voted to subpoena Roberson to testify before them as a last-ditch effort to save his life.

The Texas Supreme Court stayed the case based on the subpoena, saying it raised questions about the separation of powers.

“(Roberson) was shocked. He praised God and thanked his supporters,” said Amanda Hernandez of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, who spoke with Roberson after the ruling was handed down.

The ruling is part of a series of decisions released in the case on Thursday.

Travis County District Judge Jessica Mangrum issued the temporary restraining order less than two hours before 6 p.m., when Roberson was scheduled to be executed in Huntsville.

Hours later, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected that decision.

Shortly before 10 p.m., the Texas Supreme Court issued a stay.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a motion by Roberson’s lawyers seeking a stay of execution.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor said the case presented by Roberson’s lawyers had “no recognizable federal claim.”

“Under these circumstances, a stay allowing consideration of Roberson’s credible allegations of actual innocence is imperative; yet this Court is unable to grant it. This means that only one avenue of relief remains open: an executive stay.” , Sotomayor wrote.

Roberson’s lawyers asked Gov. Greg Abbott to grant a 30-day reprieve.

Protesters and a bipartisan group of Texas House members gathered outside the Huntsville prison.

“For 22 years, this man has been on death row, and we hope that finally, with this decision today, with the decision of the state and the Supreme Court, the Texas House will be able to help bring to light the truths in this case We believe that this is an innocent man and the facts have not been revealed. We hope that this hearing will give people the opportunity to hear the facts. here,” said State Rep. John Bucy (Williamson County Democrat). ).

Roberson would be the first person executed in the United States for a murder conviction related to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.