Lawyer’s Misconduct Raises Doubts in Death Row Case

A courtroom with lawyers in discussion during a trial

News Summary

Allegations of scandalous misconduct have surfaced involving the defense attorney for a death row inmate in East Texas. Phillip Hayes, representing William Davis, faces accusations of soliciting sex during court proceedings. This controversy puts Davis’s fair trial under scrutiny as he was convicted for multiple murders linked to his medical malpractice. Separately, the case of Robert Roberson, also on death row, raises further questions about judicial integrity amid new evidence suggesting wrongful conviction.

Scandalous Misconduct Raises Questions in Defense of Death Row Inmate

In a shocking turn of events, the defense attorney for an East Texas man on death row finds himself embroiled in his own legal troubles, prompting concerns about the integrity of the judicial process. William Davis was convicted of heinous crimes involving the fatal injection of air into the arteries of four patients following heart surgeries at a Tyler hospital. His defense attorney, Phillip Hayes, faces allegations of soliciting sex during vital court proceedings, further complicating Davis’s legal situation.

Allegations Surface Amid Ongoing Trial

During Davis’s trial in 2021, it has been alleged that Hayes was messaging an undercover police officer who was posing as an escort while a key witness for the prosecution took the stand. Reports indicate that Hayes attempted to arrange for sexual services, exchanging messages that included an offer of $110 for sex. This inappropriate behavior reportedly took place on the same day the witness testified, adding fuel to the claim that Hayes’s focus was diverted from his client’s defense.

Hayes was ultimately detained on October 5, 2021, and faced a felony solicitation charge a month later. He eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge—a Class A misdemeanor—resulting in a sentence of one year of probation, a fine, and community service. Surprisingly, the Texas State Bar has not publicly reprimanded Hayes for his actions, raising eyebrows about accountability in the legal system.

Implications for Davis’s Case

The fallout from Hayes’s arrest has left Davis’s legal representation hanging by a thread. Concerns have been raised about whether Davis received a fair trial, as his lawyer’s divided loyalties—between the representation of Davis and his personal interests—are now in question. Complicating matters further, Hayes was also defending Billy Chemirmir, an accused serial killer, at the time of his arrest. The strain of managing multiple high-profile cases may have played a role in Hayes’s alleged misconduct.

In the lead-up to Davis’s trial, at least three phone numbers connected to prostitution advertisements were messaged by Hayes, intensifying suspicions regarding his judgment during courtroom proceedings. The trial did not adjourn for the day until 4:14 PM, suggesting that Hayes was engaging in these activities while the prosecution’s critical witness was still on the stand.

Legal Challenges and Continued Advocacy

Attorneys from the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs have initiated efforts to challenge Davis’s conviction, citing Hayes’s potentially detrimental conduct. Nonetheless, representatives from both the District Attorney’s office and Davis’s attorney’s camp have opted to refrain from commenting on ongoing legal proceedings.

The ramifications of this case extend beyond Davis, as Hayes’s involvement in the defense of other clients, including a member of the notorious Texas Seven, has been put into jeopardy due to the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

Compelling Case of Innocence on Death Row

Meanwhile, another closely monitored death row case involves Robert Roberson, who has been incarcerated since 2003 for the death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis. Roberson maintains his innocence in this case, which has attracted significant scrutiny over the years regarding the reliability of the evidence used against him.

Judicial Decisions and Evidence Questions

As of October 17, a judge in Anderson County upheld the execution warrant for Roberson, denying motions to vacate the warrant and recuse the presiding judge. Concerns have emerged regarding the fairness of the proceedings. His defense team has argued that a retired judge improperly issued the execution warrant without providing an appropriate hearing.

As new evidence comes to light suggesting that Nikki may not have died from shaken baby syndrome, but rather from pneumonia and medical mismanagement, advocates are rallying for Roberson’s clemency. Support has poured in from scientists, attorneys, and former law enforcement officials who recognize the potential for wrongful convictions.

Call for Legislative Review and Clemency

The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee is poised to address Roberson’s case, amidst growing calls for legislative review and discussion on the scientific reliability of shaken baby syndrome testimonies. There is a bipartisan movement among Texas lawmakers urging Governor Greg Abbott to grant a stay of execution or clemency, as Roberson’s legal team continues to file petitions contesting the accuracy of the testimony that has kept him on death row.

As the legal landscape surrounding death penalty convictions expands with the introduction of new evidence and evolving societal attitudes, both the cases of William Davis and Robert Roberson stand as stark reminders of the potential pitfalls within a complex judicial system.