DALLAS – A North Texas state representative texted a judge last week, telling him that death row inmate Robert Roberson deserves a new trial.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton quickly accused state Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) of violating state rules on professional conduct with “unethical” text messages.

Paxton’s office released the text messages Monday in which Leach said only a judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals needs to change his mind so Roberson can get another chance.

Less than an hour after the attorney general’s office released the transcript of the text messages Monday, the state representative admitted he was wrong.

The Republican lawmaker from Plano has been at the forefront of efforts to stop Roberson’s execution.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Leach admitted to sending a text message to Judge Michelle Slaughter, one of five judges to reject Roberson’s most recent appeal.

The text exchange began with Leach sending: “Judge, I was wondering if I should send you this message…A judge. That’s all it takes to simply say… there are too many questions and too many holes and too much going on. uncertainty…and Robert Roberson deserves a new trial. »

Judge Slaughter soon after reported Leach’s messages and responded: “I cannot consider your message nor can I discuss outstanding matters with you.” »

Rep. Leach responded with a lengthy statement Monday night on and professionally – as any judge should. . And I apologize to her and to the court.

Roberson was scheduled to be executed on Thursday, October 17.more than 20 years after being convicted of murdering his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis.

However, a subpoena filed by a Texas House committee for Roberson to testify led the Texas Supreme Court to stay his execution.

A coalition of bipartisan lawmakers, including Rep. Leach, questioned the science supporting Roberson’s death sentence, particularly the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome after his death.

While Roberson’s execution is stayed, his testimony is also delayed.

AG Paxton refuses to let Roberson appear in person.

Last week, Paxton also released a graphic report of the 2-year-old’s original autopsy and a statement of the forensic doctor.

State lawmakers later issued a 16-page rebuttalcalling the attorney general’s report misleading and largely simply false.

Constitutional law attorney David Coale highlights two possible next steps in this now political fight: Gov. Greg Abbott steps in and grants a stay, which is unlikely, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals could take another look at the affair.

A third of the judges lost their primaries and will be replaced next year. Judge Slaughter was one of those judges.

“As long as the issue remains in the public eye, and as long as this man is not executed, the Court of Criminal Appeals may take a second look at it,” Coale said. “And there is a reason why they will, given the close nature of the vote and the likelihood of a significant change in their composition.”

Also Monday, Nikki’s family spoke out in a letter sent to the House committee, saying they remain convinced Roberson is guilty, citing “the overwhelming evidence that was presented at trial.”

Roberson’s younger brother quickly responded publicly Monday with his own statement, defending his brother’s character as a loving parent.

The attorney general’s office says it informed the Texas Supreme Court of the “ex parte” communications.