Robert Roberson, a Texas man, is fighting to halt his upcoming execution, scheduled for October 16. He maintains his innocence regarding the 2002 death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in Palestine, Texas. The case hinges on the controversial diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, with Roberson claiming his daughter did not die from abuse.
Background of the Case
During his 2003 trial, prosecutors alleged that Roberson caused severe head trauma by hitting and violently shaking Nikki. They argued that her death resulted from shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis commonly associated with child abuse. However, Roberson’s legal team and medical experts assert that Nikki passed away from pneumonia-related complications, not abuse.
Legal Developments
- Roberson’s scheduled execution has been delayed once before due to a significant intervention by Texas lawmakers.
- His conviction faced renewed scrutiny with his legal team gathering support from both liberal and conservative figures.
- Roberson has received an outpouring of support, including from influential supporters such as author John Grisham and former police detective Brian Wharton.
Roberson’s attorneys have expressed concerns about how his undiagnosed autism affected perceptions during the trial. They suggest that his demeanor was misinterpreted, leading jurors to assume guilt based on his emotional presentation. Recent discussions have emerged about the validity of the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, with debates on whether it has unjustly incarcerated individuals in the past.
Opposing Views
Despite his supporters, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and some family members assert that Nikki died as a result of child abuse. Matthew Bowman, Nikki’s half-brother, expressed his belief in Roberson’s guilt, while the Attorney General’s office emphasizes that the case extends beyond mere shaken baby syndrome allegations.
Current Situation
- Roberson’s current execution date is set for October 16, 2023.
- His legal team is pursuing appeals to halt the execution and possibly secure a new trial.
- Roberson remains hopeful, believing that he will eventually be able to prove his innocence.
Roberson recalls the heartbreaking moment he took Nikki to the hospital, unaware of the serious implications ahead. He reflects on the profound loss of his daughter and the pain of being wrongfully accused. As he faces this critical moment, he remains resilient, expressing faith that he has more to accomplish in this life.
