With his execution looming last Thursday, the 57-year-old Texas death row inmate watched as his attorneys’ legal arguments were rejected in the courts and his pleas for clemency disregarded, as the state parole board declined to recommend he receive a lesser sentence or reprieve.

Robert Roberson, whose execution was postponed last week, had been subpoenaed to appear before a committee of the State House. A juror from his trial says she now believes he is innocent.

The Palestine, Texas man, 57, came within minutes of being put to death Thursday night before the state Supreme Court affirmed a subpoena was valid.