Texas Man Faces Execution Over Shaken Baby Syndrome Controversy

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:48:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Robert Roberson, who has spent years on death row for the alleged murder of his daughter Nikki, clings to hope as he confronts the possibility of execution amidst claims of innocence and flawed scientific evidence.

Robert Roberson, sentenced to death for the 2002 death of his daughter, faces execution on October 16. Despite maintaining his innocence, he has been implicated through shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis that has faced increasing scrutiny. His case highlights concerns about the reliability of evidence leading to wrongful convictions. Roberson's supporters are rallying for a stay of execution, arguing that his autism impacted how he was perceived during the trial.

LIVINGSTON, Texas (AP) — Robert Roberson faces his impending execution with a mix of hope and resignation as he reflects on his life and the injustice he believes he has suffered. Scheduled for death on October 16, he maintains his innocence in the murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in 2002, a case that has sparked significant controversy over the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

Roberson's assertive stance on his innocence comes as he looks back on his trial in 2003, where prosecutors argued he was responsible for his daughter’s death due to severe head trauma associated with shaken baby syndrome. In stark contrast, Roberson's legal team, alongside numerous medical experts, contend that Nikki succumbed to pneumonia complications rather than any form of abuse.

In a recent interview from prison, Roberson indicated that his faith and support from attorneys give him peace despite the looming execution date. 'I’m not going to stress out and stuff because I know God has it, you know. He’s in control,' he expressed, speaking from a visiting area within the Polunsky Unit in Livingston.

Past attempts to halt his execution showcased the case’s complexities, including a near-death experience last year where bipartisan lawmakers intervened last minute, securing a stay. However, with the justice system's gears in motion again, Roberson remains determined to fight for his chance at exoneration.

Critics of the initial ruling highlight systemic limitations in interpreting behavioral signs, particularly regarding Roberson’s autism, which may have led to misinterpretation of his reactions as indicators of guilt during the trial.

A rallying cry has emerged among Roberson's supporters, invoking a diverse coalition urging Governor Greg Abbott to intercede. Prominent figures like bestselling author John Grisham and other activists argue that the case is emblematic of flawed justice and call for further investigation into Roberson’s conviction.

Roberson shared his emotional turmoil, saying, 'It was bad enough losing my little girl. And then when they accused me of it, I couldn’t believe it.' As he awaits his fate, Roberson rests his hope on the conviction's reexamination and the prospect that the truth will ultimately prevail.