A Texas death row inmate is set to be executed next week for the alleged killing of his 2-year-old daughter in 2002. The inmate's lawyer argues that not only is her client innocent, but also that nobody is responsible for the child's death.
The inmate, Robert Roberson, is facing lethal injection on Oct. 17 for the death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis. Prosecutors claim that Nikki died from injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, making Roberson the first person in the U.S. to face execution based on this syndrome.
Despite the conviction, more than 80 Texas state lawmakers, medical experts, parental rights groups, and bestselling novelist John Grisham have called for clemency for Roberson, believing in his innocence. His lawyer, Gretchen Sweden, argues that recent evidence points to Nikki's death being caused by undiagnosed pneumonia and dangerous medications, rather than shaken baby syndrome.
Sweden highlights that the shaken baby syndrome hypothesis has been discredited and that medical experts now question the quick diagnosis of abuse in such cases. She emphasizes that Roberson's demeanor, influenced by his autism, was wrongly used against him during the trial.
Roberson's legal team has filed appeals based on new scientific evidence and the failure to apply a state law designed to prevent wrongful convictions. Despite previous halts in his execution, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals allowed the case to proceed last year.
Sweden continues to advocate for her client's innocence, urging the courts to reconsider the evidence and grant clemency. The case has sparked debate on the reliability of shaken baby syndrome diagnoses and the risks of executing potentially innocent individuals.
As Roberson's execution date approaches, his lawyer describes his fluctuating emotions between fear and hope, fueled by the support from those who believe in his innocence. The case raises concerns about the capital punishment system and the potential for wrongful executions.
With ongoing legal efforts and public outcry, the fate of Robert Roberson remains uncertain as the scheduled execution date draws near.
