The Texas Supreme Court has delivered a last-minute halt to the execution of Robert Roberson, a man on the autism spectrum, whose conviction for murder stems from what his attorneys argue was a grave misdiagnosis related to “shaken baby syndrome.”
This 57-year-old man faced lethal injection at the state prison in Huntsville after being sentenced for the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, in February 2002. However, in a dramatic twist, the state’s highest court intervened, granting a temporary stay following an appeal from Texas lawmakers. This appeal included a subpoena compelling Roberson to testify before a House committee scrutinizing the foundation of his conviction.
Justice Evan Young articulated the stakes, stating, “If the sentence is carried out, the witness obviously cannot appear.” Such comments underline the significance of ensuring that all aspects of Roberson’s case are carefully scrutinized before any irreversible actions are taken.
In the broader context of capital punishment in America, Roberson is one of just two individuals on death row slated for execution at this juncture. The other, 36-year-old Derrick Dearman, was executed in Alabama for the brutal 2016 axe murders of five individuals connected to his girlfriend. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall remarked, “The gruesome facts of this case merited the ultimate punishment,” underscoring the often complex moral and ethical debates surrounding the death penalty.
Dearman’s case starkly contrasts with Roberson’s. While Dearman confessed to the heinous acts and chose not to appeal, Roberson steadfastly asserts his innocence. His attorney, Gretchen Sween, has presented substantial new medical and scientific evidence to support their claim that Nikki’s death was due to “natural and accidental causes, not abuse.” According to Sween, the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, initially made at the hospital, was incorrect, contending that it was pneumonia, exacerbated by inappropriate medication, that led to the tragic outcome.
Despite these revelations, Roberson’s previous attempts at legal recourse had faced significant obstacles until the recent actions by the Texas Supreme Court. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously voted—6-0—against recommending clemency for Roberson, and the U.S. Supreme Court also dismissed his plea for a stay of execution without any commentary.
Roberson’s plight has garnered considerable attention from various circles, including the Innocence Project, which specializes in addressing wrongful convictions, as well as renowned author John Grisham, Texas political figures, and medical professionals. Notably, Brian Wharton, the former chief detective who investigated the case and ultimately led to Roberson’s incarceration, has come forward to support Roberson’s innocence. “Knowing everything that I know now, I am firmly convinced that Robert is an innocent man,” he declared during a press conference organized by Roberson’s advocates.
Grisham, who authored popular legal dramas including “The Firm” and “A Time to Kill,” also expressed his disbelief at Roberson’s situation, commenting, “What’s amazing about Robert’s case is that there was no crime.” This sentiment echoes a significant trend highlighted by experts in forensic science—more than 30 parents and caregivers across 18 states have been exonerated after wrongful accusations linked to dubious “shaken baby syndrome” testimonies.
Sween further pointed out that Roberson’s autism spectrum disorder, diagnosed only in 2018, played a critical role in the tragic series of events leading to his conviction. “It is quite possible that Mr. Roberson would not be on death row today but for his autism,” she stated. Allegedly, the medical staff at the hospital misinterpreted his flat affect as a symptom of guilt, a clear example of how misunderstanding neurological conditions can lead to devastating judicial errors.
This year alone, the United States has witnessed 20 executions, with five occurring in Alabama, highlighting the ongoing contentious discussions surrounding the use of capital punishment. As the nation grapples with complicated legal, ethical, and social implications, Roberson’s case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the justice system.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
