AUSTIN – (WBAP/KLIF) – The top criminal court in Texas once again pauses the execution of Robert Roberson, days ahead of his execution date, levied for a murder conviction based on “shaken baby syndrome”, which scientists today call flawed and outdated science. This was the third date for Roberson’s execution defense attorneys have been able to stay since 2016, stopped the last time by unprecedented intervention by a strong bipartisan group of Lone Star lawmakers who believe Roberson is innocent.
At Roberson’s 2003 trial, prosecutors argued he hit his 2 year old daughter Nikki Curtis, violently shaking her and causing severe head trauma. Roberson denies the allegations, with his defense team arguing Nikki died from complications related to pnemonia. In their latest appeal with the state Court of Criminal Appeals, attorneys for Roberson included new legal and scientific developments and analyses showing the child’s death was caused by illness and accident, not abuse. Roberson’s attorneys also claim new evidence shows judicial misconduct in the case.
Over the years, shaken baby syndrome has come under scrutiny as some increasing numbers of experts claim the disgnosis has sent people – wrongly – to prison. Prosecutors and medical experts claim the syndrome remains valid. However, Roberson’s backers include ultraconservative and more liberal lawmakers. Texas GOP Megadonor and activist for conservative causes Doug Deason, the bestslling author John Grisham, and former police detectice Brian Wharton, who helped put the case together are some of those backing a stop to the death penalty for Roberson
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