On Friday, December 13, 2024, ABC13 reported that the Harris County District Attorney’s Office issued a subpoena to Judge Natalia Cornelio of the 351st District Court as part of an investigation into potential misconduct related to a death penalty case. The DA’s office is seeking email correspondence between Judge Cornelio and Ronald Haskell’s defense attorney from June to August, specifically concerning a bench warrant that resulted in Haskell being brought back to Harris County for three weeks earlier this year.
The investigation stems from concerns that Judge Cornelio may have engaged in improper communication with Haskell’s attorney regarding the case. Haskell, a death row inmate, was convicted in 2019 for the shooting deaths of six family members, including four children, in a crime characterized as a “massacre.” The victims were connected to Haskell’s ex-wife, whom he had been stalking.
Josh Reiss, the Chief Prosecutor of the Post-Conviction Writs Division, confirmed to ABC13 that the subpoena was served. This move is regarded as unusual within legal circles, with legal analyst Brian Wice describing it as a significant and rare action in his 45 years of experience, rating it a “strong 9.5” on a scale of 1 to 10.
The DA’s office is preparing for a recusal hearing scheduled for January 9, where they will present evidence related to the alleged communications. Wice noted that judges typically should not communicate with one party in a case without the other party’s awareness, highlighting the potential breach of protocol in this situation.
Earlier reports indicated that Haskell was ordered back to Harris County by Judge Cornelio for a hearing that ultimately did not occur. Instead, he was taken to a private imaging clinic for an MRI, raising further questions about the handling of his case. Court filings revealed that Haskell was not restrained during this transfer and was in close proximity to another patient.
Cornelio has historically opposed the death penalty and has previously recused herself from at least one other case. Wice remarked on the unusual nature of her continued involvement in Haskell’s case, questioning why she has not voluntarily stepped back as she has in the past.
As the investigation continues, Cornelio has not publicly commented on the subpoena or the ongoing inquiry. In Texas, judges are represented by the attorney general’s office, meaning that Cornelio’s legal representation will come from the office of Ken Paxton, a Republican, despite her being a Democrat.
Source: ABC13
