Texas lawmakers push to halt execution amid bipartisan support

A bipartisan group of 84 Texas lawmakers is advocating for the halt of Robert Roberson's execution, scheduled for October 17, 2023. Roberson was convicted in 2002 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, with prosecutors claiming she died from shaken baby syndrome. However, the lawmakers argue that the case relied on flawed scientific evidence, and many medical experts now dispute the diagnosis. They emphasize that Roberson's conviction was based on outdated understandings of medical conditions. Roberson has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he found his daughter unconscious and that her symptoms could be attributed to other medical issues, such as pneumonia. His defense team argues that his autism was misinterpreted during the trial, leading to prejudiced perceptions of his demeanor. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals had previously halted his execution in 2016, but the case was reopened in 2023, resulting in a new execution date. The petition for clemency has garnered support from various individuals, including medical professionals, death penalty attorneys, and even a former detective involved in the case. Brian Wharton, who helped prosecute Roberson, has publicly stated his belief in Roberson's innocence, highlighting the evolving understanding of medical evidence related to shaken baby syndrome. The governor's office and the Board of Pardons and Paroles have not commented on the petition. Historically, Governor Greg Abbott has been reluctant to grant clemency, having only done so once since taking office in 2015. The growing bipartisan support for Roberson's case reflects a significant shift in attitudes toward the death penalty and the reliability of forensic evidence in Texas.