An Alabama judge has put a temporary hold on the execution of David Lee Roberts, a 59-year-old convicted of murder, as officials assess his mental competence. Originally scheduled for execution on August 21 for the 1992 fatal shooting of Anetra Jones, Roberts’ execution was stayed by Marion County Circuit Judge Talmage Lee Carter until it can be determined whether Roberts has a “rational understanding” of his impending death.
In his ruling, Judge Carter raised questions about whether Roberts is capable of grasping the reality of his situation or, perhaps, if his understanding is so distorted that he can’t connect his crime to the punishment. The judge emphasized that the execution would remain on pause until the Alabama Department of Mental Health completes its evaluation of Roberts.
Roberts was slated to die by nitrogen gas, a method Alabama introduced last year, beginning with the execution of Kenneth Smith in January 2024. His attorney argues that his execution should be halted due to a diagnosis of delusional schizophrenia, claiming that Roberts experiences paranoia and hears voices. Recently, he even attempted to burn off tattoos on his arms and legs, believing it would help him control his thoughts.
The attorney asserts that these issues illustrate Roberts’ incompetence to face execution, as his delusions prevent him from understanding the reasons behind it. As of now, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office has not sought a stay but is advocating for competency assessments in these types of cases.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that inmates who cannot comprehend why they are being executed cannot be put to death. However, Alabama law lacks a clear standard for judges to assess a prisoner’s competency.
Roberts was convicted of murdering Jones in April 1992 while at a residence where her boyfriend lived. Prosecutors detailed that he shot her three times with a .22 caliber rifle while she slept on the couch, then set the house on fire after pouring a flammable liquid on her body and the floor.
Although he was sentenced to life without parole initially, the judge ultimately decided on the death penalty, as Alabama no longer permits judges to override jury recommendations in capital cases.
