Texas man faces execution despite claims of innocence in shaken baby syndrome case
- Robert Roberson was sentenced to death for the 2002 death of his daughter Nikki Curtis, initially diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
- New evidence has emerged suggesting potential innocence, challenging the reliability of the evidence used in his conviction.
- Supporters and experts argue that there has been a serious miscarriage of justice in Roberson's case, which has sparked ongoing appeals and legal scrutiny.
In Texas, a man named Robert Roberson is facing execution on October 16, 2024, for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. His conviction stemmed from a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, which has since been discredited. During a recent court hearing, Roberson appeared alongside his attorney, who argued passionately against the execution date, claiming that substantial new evidence supports his innocence. Supporters have stated that numerous experts, including one of the jurors and the lead detective, have reassessed the evidence and concluded there was no crime. Roberson's legal team has filed recent appeals, arguing that the old scientific standards used during his trial are no longer valid and that new evaluations of medical records suggest Nikki may have died from pneumonia rather than abuse. They asserted that the focus on shaken baby syndrome in this case is unfounded and that alternative explanations for Nikki's health issues were overlooked at the time of the original investigation and trial. The controversy surrounding Roberson's case stems from the 2022 establishment of a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers who have rallied to support a re-examination of the evidence. They even issued a subpoena for him to testify before a House committee. However, this request was thwarted by the Attorney General's office, which argued the execution could not be delayed for him to present his case before lawmakers. Hence, the Texas Supreme Court intervened and issued a stay of execution shortly before his previously scheduled date in October 2024, allowing time to review appeals and new evidence. Despite these developments, the state has moved forward with scheduling another execution date, drawing outrage from those who believe that an innocent man faces the death penalty. Roberson's attorney described his situation as a failure of justice and pointed out that a comprehensive review of the evidence should be conducted without the pressure of an impending execution. As the case continues to draw national attention, its implications for the use of outdated scientific evidence in criminal cases and the validity of the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis remain at the forefront of discussions regarding wrongful convictions and the criminal justice system in Texas.