LIVINGSTON, Texas (AP) — Robert Roberson was calm and hopeful as he considered his fate ahead of his scheduled execution on October 16. Convicted for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, Roberson insists he is innocent of her murder, which he asserts was tied to a misdiagnosis related to shaken baby syndrome. Amidst a tumultuous backdrop of legal advocacy, Roberson finds himself once again hoping for a stay of execution after narrowly escaping death last year through a last-minute reprieve prompted by Texas lawmakers claiming his innocence.
As Roberson awaits his fate in middle of a highly publicized dispute regarding his conviction, he continues to put faith in his legal team and a higher power. No matter what, God’s in control, he expressed during an interview in the Polunsky Unit where he's held on death row.
His supporters, which span a broad political spectrum including well-known figures such as bestselling author John Grisham, are actively working to mobilize further appeals amidst concerns over the legitimacy of shaken baby syndrome as a diagnosis. Critics of the syndrome argue that it has been applied erroneously in many cases, sometimes criminalizing innocent parents.
Roberson’s conviction was largely based on the assertion that he had struck and violently shaken his daughter. However, legal representatives and some medical professionals contend that Nikki succumbed to circumstances unrelated to abuse, specifically complications from pneumonia. They highlight that the scientific evidence surrounding shaken baby syndrome has evolved over the years, calling Roberson’s conviction into question.
Last year, Roberson was spared from execution due to last-minute legal interventions, but as a new date approaches, proponents for his innocence rally yet again, pleading for justice and re-examination of evidence that condemns an innocent man.
In a world that watches closely, Roberson holds on to hope that a chance to prove his innocence may someday come. He states, I would like to believe God has more for me to do. His continued fight is not just for his life, but also represents a broader call for justice in cases involving similar allegations.
As Roberson awaits his fate in middle of a highly publicized dispute regarding his conviction, he continues to put faith in his legal team and a higher power. No matter what, God’s in control, he expressed during an interview in the Polunsky Unit where he's held on death row.
His supporters, which span a broad political spectrum including well-known figures such as bestselling author John Grisham, are actively working to mobilize further appeals amidst concerns over the legitimacy of shaken baby syndrome as a diagnosis. Critics of the syndrome argue that it has been applied erroneously in many cases, sometimes criminalizing innocent parents.
Roberson’s conviction was largely based on the assertion that he had struck and violently shaken his daughter. However, legal representatives and some medical professionals contend that Nikki succumbed to circumstances unrelated to abuse, specifically complications from pneumonia. They highlight that the scientific evidence surrounding shaken baby syndrome has evolved over the years, calling Roberson’s conviction into question.
Last year, Roberson was spared from execution due to last-minute legal interventions, but as a new date approaches, proponents for his innocence rally yet again, pleading for justice and re-examination of evidence that condemns an innocent man.
In a world that watches closely, Roberson holds on to hope that a chance to prove his innocence may someday come. He states, I would like to believe God has more for me to do. His continued fight is not just for his life, but also represents a broader call for justice in cases involving similar allegations.
