Summary
The Texas Supreme Court has halted the execution of Robert Roberson, who was convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in a controversial case linked to “shaken baby syndrome.” The execution was scheduled for October 17, 2024, but was postponed following last-minute appeals from lawmakers and legal representatives who argue that Roberson is innocent and that his conviction was based on flawed scientific evidence.
Roberson’s case has drawn significant attention due to the ongoing debate surrounding shaken baby syndrome, which has been criticized for relying on outdated medical assumptions. Supporters, including a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers, contend that Nikki Curtis died from complications related to pneumonia rather than abuse. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently denied clemency for Roberson, prompting a coalition of lawmakers to seek a stay of execution, culminating in the Supreme Court’s intervention. The case highlights the complexities and challenges in the intersection of medical science and the legal system, particularly regarding the reliability of forensic evidence in child abuse cases.
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