Austin, TX
Texas Rep. privately asks Appellate Judge for new trial in reported conduct violation
AUSTIN, Texas — One of the state lawmakers instrumental in delaying Robert Roberson’s execution, Jeff Leach, allegedly texted a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge last week asking for a new trial.
The judge declined to consider the message and the court has been found to lack any jurisdiction in the case. Still, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent an email to the Texas Supreme Court Friday, notifying them of the breach of professional conduct.
Representative Jeff Leach sits on the Texas House Committee of Criminal Jurisprudence, which issued the subpoena for Roberson that ended up delaying his execution. In text messages between him and a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, he wrote he wasn’t aware the matter was already pending and apologized.
Defense attorney and former prosecutor Ty Cardenas-Wittenstein says attempts to influence a judge outside the courtroom can have major ramifications.
“That’s literally what our system is based on, is justice and fairness,” Cardenas-Wittenstein said. “You’re going to ruin the case. In a criminal case, anybody getting involved like that could easily cause a mistrial, which means everything is stopped.”
RELATED| State Rep. Jeff Leach asked Texas judge to consider a new Robert Roberson trial
She says this is called ex parte communication when one party tries to communicate with the judge about the case without the other parties present.
“One of those lawyers can’t go and, you know, tell the judge a secret or send a secret letter, or even some sort of a social media post or something like that.” Cardenas-Wittenstein said.
This violation typically involves lawyers, but it doesn’t always have to.
“It can be an investigator. It can be it can be a paralegal,” Cardenas-Wittenstein said. “Anybody that’s on either of the teams, whether they’re directly involved or loosely involved.”
That’s why the Office of the Attorney General says State Representative Jeff Leach violated Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct when he texted a judge who sits on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals last week, in an attempt to get her to vote favorably in delaying Robert Roberson’s execution and getting him a new trial.
Roberson is on death row for the 2002 murder of his two-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis, but many including Leach believe he wasn’t given a fair trial.
In a letter reporting the violation that was sent to the Texas Supreme Court and attorneys involved in the case, his text messages were revealed. He allegedly wrote in part…
“I’ve wracked my brain about whether I should send you this message about where I can even send you this message legally and ethically… There are too many questions and too many holes and too much uncertainty and Robert Roberson deserves a new trial.”
Leach explained to the judge he wasn’t a party to the trial and the case wasn’t actively pending, but the judge replied the matter was indeed pending and thus ex parte communication she couldn’t consider or discuss.
Leach apologized for the error, but the judge still reported the communication.
“For most lawyers, it’s something that you know is ingrained to us,” Cardenas-Wittenstein said. “But you know, for somebody that didn’t go to law school, I don’t know if that would be something that was ingrained in them.”
On the social media platform X Monday evening, Leach apologized publicly. He says in part:
“Unlike some other leaders in our state, I’m not afraid to admit when I mess up and that’s exactly what I did… I am fiercely committed to the rule of law and to strengthening our system of justice. This is why I’m so passionate about the case of #RobertRoberson — because I believe so strongly the system has failed him.”
Cardenas-Wittenstein says ex-parte communication can sometimes lead to a case being thrown out or a lawyer even losing their license to practice. In this case, though, it doesn’t involve an attorney and the United States Supreme Court has already ruled the Court of Criminal Appeals lacks jurisdiction, sending the case to the Texas Supreme Court where it’s still pending.
CBS Austin reached out to one of Roberson’s attorneys listed in the letter, who declined to comment. We’re also waiting to hear back from the Anderson County District Attorney who was also notified of the violation.
The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football
Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.
For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.
Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group
As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.
Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!
Full-Service Gyms
Life Time
Image credit: Life Time Austin North
Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.
Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.
Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hyde Park Gym
Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.
Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms
Korrect Fitness
Image credit: Korrect Fitness
Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.
Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.
Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.
Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7
FeV Iron Vault Gym
Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym
Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.
Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Group Fitness & Specialty Studios
Orangetheory
Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.
Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
F45 Training
F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.
Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm
Big Tex Gym
Image credit: Big Tex Gym
Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.
Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7
Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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