Robert Roberson: Imminent Execution Due to Faulty Diagnosis

Texas is set to execute inmate Robert Roberson this Thursday.

Roberson was convicted of capital murder following the death of his 2-year-old daughter in 2003.

He has maintained his innocence for more than 20 years while on death row.

His lawyers agree, arguing that he was wrongfully convicted.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Diagnosis

They argue that his conviction was based on a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, which is now considered flawed.

His daughter, Nikki Curtis, was ill before she died, according to his defenders.

Roberson took her to the hospital, where, according to his lawyers, she was diagnosed without considering her prior health conditions.

Court documents show that Nikki had bruises and head injuries, along with brain swelling and bleeding.

Authorities accepted the doctors’ word and arrested Roberson.

However, his defenders claim that Nikki died from double pneumonia that developed into sepsis.

«You can’t execute someone when there might not have even been a crime,» said State Representative Joe Moody.

The lawyers also point out that Robert Roberson’s behavior at the hospital was misinterpreted.

His behavior, which was seen as evidence of guilt, was actually a manifestation of his autism, diagnosed in 2018.

«The way this case was handled, from the hasty accusation of child abuse, is troubling,» stated State Representative Lacey Hull.

On Friday, one of Roberson’s final appeals was denied, leaving him with few options.

«We are moving toward an execution when many lawmakers aren’t even sure a crime was committed,» Moody expressed on social media platform X.

Moody has requested a hearing from the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee for Wednesday.

If executed on Thursday, Roberson will be the first person in the U.S. sentenced to death based on a shaken baby syndrome diagnosis.