The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has declined to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for killing his 2-year-old daughter. Roberson’s attorneys have argued that his conviction was based on questionable science and have presented new evidence to support his innocence. Roberson’s execution is scheduled for October 17 unless he receives clemency from the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The case dates back to 2002 when Roberson was convicted of killing his daughter, whose death was initially attributed to shaken baby syndrome. Despite doubts raised about the scientific evidence in the case, the Court of Criminal Appeals upheld his conviction in 2016. Roberson’s attorneys have since presented new expert opinions and evidence suggesting that his daughter died of natural causes due to severe pneumonia, not head trauma.
Critics have questioned the use of shaken baby syndrome diagnoses in criminal cases, arguing that they may not always be accurate. Roberson’s case has drawn attention to the issue and has led to calls for a reevaluation of the evidence used in his conviction.
As Roberson’s execution date approaches, his attorneys continue to fight for his innocence and are seeking relief through last-minute court filings and a request for clemency. The outcome of his case will have far-reaching implications for the use of scientific evidence in criminal convictions.
This article was originally published by The Texas Tribune in partnership with The Associated Press.
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