The state of Alabama has paused the scheduled August 21 execution of David Lee Roberts, halting preparations while he undergoes a psychiatric evaluation. The Department of Corrections confirmed Friday that the evaluation and reports could not be completed in time, effectively putting the execution on hold.
Roberts, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, has long exhibited severe symptoms, including hearing voices, suffering delusions, and engaging in acts of self-harm. His attorneys argued that his condition makes him incapable of comprehending the punishment being carried out against him.
“We are relieved to have more clarity about the competence evaluation process,” said Leslie Smith, Assistant Federal Defender and Roberts’ lead attorney. “We’re hopeful we won’t have to litigate our client’s competence under an active execution warrant and that no new date will be set until this is resolved.”
Mental health advocates have stressed that Roberts’ case reflects a broader crisis. According to research by the Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC), roughly 20 percent of jail inmates and 15 percent of state prisoners nationwide live with serious mental illness.
Dr. Xavier Amador, Director of the LEAP Institute and consulting psychologist for TAC, underscored the stakes: “While we are heartened by the state’s recognition that Mr. Roberts needs to be evaluated, a thorough evaluation is essential to justice, fairness, and humane treatment. It is entirely possible that someone with severe mental illness like Mr. Roberts may not be capable of understanding the punishment imposed upon him.”
The intersection of mental illness and the death penalty has drawn national attention. Both mental health professionals and political leaders are calling for higher standards of integrity in competency evaluations.
Demetrius Minor, Executive Director of Conservatives Concerned, framed the issue in terms of conservative principles. “As conservatives, we believe in fairness, accountability, and limited government. Executing individuals with serious mental illness not only fails those principles, it undermines the very justice system we seek to protect. Competence evaluations must be thorough, meaningful, and conducted with the highest integrity.”
The stay marks yet another moment in Alabama’s death penalty system that raises fundamental questions about fairness and human dignity. With Roberts’ evaluation pending, advocates continue to press the state for a process grounded in both clarity and compassion.
