Texas Man Faces Execution Amid Controversial Case

LIVINGSTON, Texas (AP) — Robert Roberson sat calmly, reflecting on his situation, the possibility of becoming the first individual in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction linked to shaken baby syndrome. As the date for his execution on October 16 approached, Roberson maintained his innocence regarding the death of his two-year-old daughter, Nicky Curtis, from Texas City. His execution was temporarily postponed after a group of legislators who believe in his innocence intervened, keeping him waiting outside the death chamber.

“I don’t feel stressed because I know God has it. He is in control,” said the 58-year-old, speaking through a glass partition in Texas’s Polunsky Unit. At that moment, he placed his hopes in his attorney and supporters, waiting for yet another possible execution stay.

During a conversation that lasted about an hour, Roberson shared that he thinks of his daughter every day and reflects on the life he now leads. In 2003, during his trial, prosecutors contended that Roberson caused his daughter’s death through violent shaking, while his defense argued that Nicky passed away due to pneumonia-related complications instead.

The term “shaken baby syndrome” refers to significant brain damage resulting from violent shaking or impacts. Roberson’s legal team asserted that his undiagnosed autism significantly influenced authorities’ perceptions of him during the trial, leading to an unfortunate conviction based on faulty assumptions about his demeanor.

Last-Minute Stay of Execution

Last year, just before a scheduled execution, Roberson’s life was spared momentarily through a sudden legal maneuver involving bipartisan Texas lawmakers. In July, a judge issued a new execution date—the third time Roberson faced this grim reality.

When speaking to reporters, Roberson often avoids making eye contact and tends to repeat phrases—behaviors linked to autism. “They assumed it was guilt because of the way I acted, and I didn’t know I was autistic,” he said, reflecting on his past.

His supporters, including a mix of progressive and conservative figures, rallied outside the Texas State Capitol, urging state and federal courts, as well as Governor Greg Abbott, to prevent his execution. Bestselling authors and legal advocates joined the fight, highlighting the case’s impact on public awareness. “The whole world is watching. Texas, don’t kill this innocent man,” one author emphasized during a rally.

Claims of Abuse

Meanwhile, the Texas Attorney General’s office and medical professionals maintain that Nicky’s death resulted from child abuse, pointing to a history of alleged assaults by Roberson. Nicky’s half-brother stated he believes Roberson is guilty, though he declined to discuss details with the media.

Roberson insists he never harmed his daughter and has been striving for personal redemption after facing prior convictions for robbery and theft. “I never rocked her or hit her,” he stated firmly.

Shaken baby syndrome has faced increased scrutiny as some argue that the diagnosis has led to wrongful convictions. Some lawyers now question its validity, stating that in Roberson’s case, the actual cause of death was related to his daughter’s pre-existing health issues. On the other hand, recent commentary from pediatric experts has reaffirmed their belief in the abuse diagnosis.

Staying Hopeful

After taking Nicky to the hospital following her collapse, Roberson expressed disbelief at being blamed for her death. “It was bad enough to lose my little girl,” he remarked, reflecting on the agony of the situation.

In a statement following the postponement of his execution, the Attorney General emphasized that the case involved more than just a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, citing evidence of severe physical trauma. However, a juror from Roberson’s trial argued that the decision was predominantly influenced by the shaken baby hypothesis.

Roberson continues to hold onto hope for a new trial that would allow him to affirm his innocence. “I’m not afraid to die, but I’m not ready to die,” he emphasized, trusting in a higher power for guidance.