Texas is preparing to execute Robert Roberson on Thursday for the alleged shaking death of his 2-year-old daughter in 2002. However, evidence suggests that Roberson is innocent, and the lead detective in the case now believes they got it wrong. Shaken Baby Syndrome, the basis for Roberson’s conviction, has been largely debunked as “junk science”, and no one has ever been executed for shaking a baby to death.
Despite bipartisan calls for clemency and concerns about the validity of the conviction, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles declined to recommend clemency for Roberson. The Supreme Court or Governor Greg Abbott could intervene, but time is running out for Roberson as his execution is scheduled for Thursday evening.
Roberson was convicted of killing his daughter Nikki, but the lead detective now believes that his confirmation bias and misunderstandings led to the wrongful accusation. Roberson reported finding Nikki not breathing, and doctors observed symptoms consistent with brain death. However, further investigation revealed underlying medical conditions that could have caused Nikki’s death.
The chances of Roberson’s execution being stopped are uncertain, as stays of execution are rare. Governor Abbott has overseen numerous executions and has granted clemency in only one case. Despite calls from Texas Republicans for mercy, the execution is scheduled to take place at the Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville.
If executed, Roberson will be the first inmate put to death in the nation for Shaken Baby Syndrome. He would be the sixth inmate executed by Texas this year and the 20th or 21st in the nation. In Texas, condemned inmates no longer make last meal requests, and Roberson will choose from a standard prison menu.
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