News Summary
James D. Robertson, a 51-year-old inmate on South Carolina’s death row, plans to drop all legal challenges to his death sentence, citing disagreement with his attorneys. Convicted of murdering his parents in 1997, Robertson’s mental health issues are a concern in this decision. An independent counsel will assess his competency, with a report due soon that could significantly impact his execution timeline and the broader conversation on mental health in capital punishment.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – James D. Robertson, a 51-year-old inmate on South Carolina’s death row, has announced his intent to waive legal representation and drop all challenges to his death sentence. This decision comes nearly 26 years after he was convicted of murdering his parents, Earl and Terry Robertson, in 1997.
In a letter to a federal judge dated May 19, 2025, Robertson expressed his desire to represent himself, stating that he disagreed with his attorneys on what constitutes his best interests. Robertson’s attorneys have cited his documented history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts, as significant factors influencing this decision. An independent counsel has been appointed to evaluate Robertson’s awareness of the potential consequences of waiving his legal representation. A report on this evaluation is expected by July 2, 2025.
Robertson has been on death row since his conviction in 1999 for the brutal murders of his parents. The killings occurred at their Rock Hill residence, where Robertson used a claw hammer and a baseball bat in a gruesome attempt to secure a $2 million inheritance. Following the horrific events, he was sentenced to death, and his appeals have been ongoing for years, with his latest state appeal denied by the South Carolina Supreme Court on March 12, 2025.
Alongside legal considerations, the toll of recent events may be affecting Robertson’s mental state. His best friend on death row, Marion Bowman, was executed in January this year, which could have influenced his feelings about his own situation. Over the past year, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has executed five inmates, indicating a potential shift towards resuming executions after a period of inactivity.
As it stands, federal law mandates that death-sentenced prisoners who cannot afford legal counsel are entitled to representation in order to pursue federal legal remedies. Robertson’s attorneys have conveyed that ethical guidelines will prevent them from withdrawing his appeal. This situation places his case in a precarious position, as a withdrawal from legal representation would likely lead to a reconsideration of his long-standing stay of execution, which has been in effect for 14 years.
Should the independent counsel determine that Robertson is not competent to proceed without representation, the implications for his case could be significant. Conversely, if he is deemed capable and the waiver is accepted, it could expedite his execution process. The broader ramifications of such decisions could impact not only Robertson but also the ongoing discourse surrounding capital punishment in South Carolina and the treatment of mentally ill inmates.
As the legal proceedings unfold, attention will focus on the upcoming evaluation report due in early July, as it will dictate the next steps in Robertson’s complicated and tragic case. The evolving nature of his circumstances illustrates the intersection of mental health issues and capital punishment, raising pressing questions about the legal system’s capacity to accommodate inmates with such needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Death Row Inmate Seeks Self-Representation Amid Legal Battles
James Robertson: A Turbulent Journey on South Carolina’s Death Row
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: James Robertson Death Penalty Execution
- Wikipedia: Capital Punishment in the United States
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Crime Article
- Google Search: James Robertson Rock Hill
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Man Faces Death Penalty
- Google Scholar: Death Penalty South Carolina
- Herald Online: Another Crime Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
- Herald Online: Local Crime News
- Google News: Rock Hill South Carolina Crime
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
