Supporters of Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson are intensifying their efforts to prevent his execution, scheduled for Thursday. Roberson, convicted of murdering his 2-year-old daughter, faces lethal injection despite claims of innocence by his advocates.
Roberson's legal team argues that the conviction was based on a misdiagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis they assert has been discredited. They contend that his daughter, Nikki Curtis, died of natural causes, not abuse, citing medical evidence.
Despite pleas for clemency and a 30-day reprieve, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles declined to recommend intervention. Governor Greg Abbott can only grant a one-time, 30-day reprieve, leaving Roberson's fate uncertain.
Roberson's case highlights the risks of capital punishment, with concerns raised about potential wrongful convictions. His attorneys have filed appeals, including a request for a stay of execution with the US Supreme Court.
The Texas Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence is holding a hearing to address capital punishment issues, including the use of scientific evidence in trials. Lawmakers and advocates are urging a halt to Roberson's execution, citing outdated medical evidence presented during his trial.
A bipartisan group of Texas legislators, along with public figures like author John Grisham, have voiced support for Roberson's innocence claim and called for a reevaluation of his case.
The debate over shaken baby syndrome as a diagnosis continues, with conflicting opinions among medical experts and legal professionals. While child abuse pediatricians defend the validity of the diagnosis, critics argue that alternative explanations should be thoroughly explored before attributing deaths to abuse.
Roberson's case underscores the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for thorough examination of evidence in capital cases. As the execution date looms, advocates are making last-ditch efforts to prevent what they believe could be a grave miscarriage of justice.
