Advocates were desperately trying to save the life of Robert Roberson, a Texas man facing execution for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in a controversial shaken baby case. The Texas Board of Pardons and Parole voted against granting clemency to Roberson, who has been on death row for over 20 years. The parole board’s decision puts Roberson’s fate in the hands of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Roberson’s legal team, along with medical experts, argue that Nikki’s death was misdiagnosed as shaken baby syndrome, and new evidence suggests that she actually died from symptoms related to pneumonia. Despite this evidence, the parole board’s decision has left Roberson’s supporters calling for a 30-day reprieve to present this new information in court.
In the days leading up to Nikki’s death, she was suffering from a respiratory infection, vomiting, and diarrhea. When Roberson rushed her to the emergency room, she was prescribed a drug that is now restricted for young children due to safety concerns. It has since been revealed that Nikki had both viral and bacterial pneumonia at the time of her hospital visit.
On the night Nikki passed away, Roberson found her unconscious with signs of brain death. Despite his efforts to save her, he was accused of child abuse based on shaken baby syndrome, even before an autopsy was performed. His attorneys argue that authorities did not consider other potential causes of Nikki’s death or take into account Roberson’s autism, which may have affected his ability to express emotions.
Roberson’s case has garnered bipartisan support for clemency, including from 86 Texas lawmakers and scientists. Even the former detective who initially arrested Roberson has come forward to support his clemency petition, expressing regret for his role in the conviction.
As the execution date looms, advocates are urging Governor Abbott to intervene and prevent what they believe to be the wrongful execution of an innocent man. Despite Abbott’s history of supporting the death penalty, there is hope that he will consider the new evidence and grant Roberson a fair chance to prove his innocence.
The case of Robert Roberson highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding shaken baby syndrome cases and underscores the importance of thorough investigations and considerations of all possible factors in cases involving child deaths. The pursuit of justice must always prioritize truth and fairness, especially when a human life hangs in the balance.
