Texas man faces execution over disputed shaken baby syndrome evidence

Robert Roberson, a Texas death row inmate, is set to be executed on October 17, becoming the first person in the U.S. to face execution based on disputed evidence of shaken baby syndrome. Convicted in 2003 for the murder of his two-year-old daughter, Roberson maintains that her death resulted from a fall rather than abuse. His claims were dismissed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which found that his new petition did not meet the necessary legal standards for review. Roberson's case has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the reliability of abusive head trauma (AHT) evidence. While prosecutors argue that there is a scientific consensus supporting AHT, innocence advocates highlight numerous cases where convictions based on similar evidence have been overturned. This includes instances where medical examiners have recanted their testimonies, leading to calls for reform in how such evidence is treated in court. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has been urged to reconsider Roberson's case, as many believe that executing him could result in a grave miscarriage of justice. His lawyer has emphasized the lengthy struggle to obtain complete medical records, which could potentially impact the case's outcome. The legal landscape surrounding AHT is shifting, with some courts questioning the validity of the evidence and its application in criminal trials. As Roberson's execution date approaches, the case highlights the critical need for thorough examination of forensic evidence in capital cases, as well as the potential for irreversible mistakes in the justice system. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for future legal proceedings involving similar evidence.