Robert Roberson discovered his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, unresponsive after she fell off a bed in their home in Palestine, Texas in 2002. Despite taking her to the hospital, Nikki tragically died a day later from a head injury. Roberson, a 57-year-old labourer, was swiftly tried, convicted, and placed on death row for his daughter’s death. Doctors and an autopsy determined that baby Nikki had suffered severe abuse, specifically shaken baby syndrome, at the hands of Roberson.
The Texas Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence summoned Roberson for a hearing on October 21 to reconsider the legality of his conviction. Initially scheduled for execution on Thursday evening, a last-minute restraining order delayed the process. Legal battles ensued, with conflicting decisions from various courts. Despite the temporary halt, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ultimately lifted the injunction to allow the execution. However, the Texas Supreme Court intervened and issued a stay of execution.
Roberson, his legal team, Texas lawmakers, and even the lead detective in the case assert his innocence. Supporters argue that crucial evidence was overlooked during the trial, including information about Nikki’s underlying health conditions. Roberson’s autism diagnosis, which was revealed after his conviction, sheds new light on his lack of emotional response, according to his lawyers.
Critics of Roberson’s conviction, including lead detective Brian Wharton, have called for clemency, citing the incomplete evidence presented at trial. Wharton expressed regret for his role in Roberson’s conviction and acknowledged the need for a more thorough investigation. Roberson’s supporters, including lawmakers, faith leaders, and advocacy groups, are campaigning for his sentence to be commuted from death to life in prison.
The case has sparked a broader discussion about shaken baby syndrome and the justice system’s handling of such cases. If executed, Roberson’s death would mark the first time the death penalty was carried out in a shaken baby syndrome case in Texas. The ongoing legal battles and calls for clemency highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding Roberson’s conviction.