Robert Roberson found himself caught off guard when the Texas Supreme Court stepped in to postpone his execution last Thursday. This unexpected turn of events was both shocking and welcomed, especially for Roberson, who was poised to become the first individual executed in the United States for crimes linked to shaken baby syndrome—a highly contentious diagnosis.
At 57, Roberson had been sentenced to death for the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. Prosecutors contended she succumbed to injuries inflicted upon her, caused by being violently shaken. Meanwhile, Roberson has always maintained his innocence, with legal experts and medical professionals arguing Nikki’s passing could be attributed to pneumonia complications rather than abuse.
The decision to halt Roberson's execution emerged after intense legal efforts and mounting pressure from both Republican and Democratic leaders who expressed their belief in his innocence. These lawmakers pointed to the fact his conviction relied on scientific tenets which are now under serious scrutiny, if not outright discredited.
According to Amanda Hernandez, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Roberson was “shocked, to say the least” upon receiving the news about the execution being paused. She shared how he expressed gratitude, praising God and thanking those who stood by him during this tumultuous time.
His attorney, Gretchen Sween, conveyed the elation felt by all those advocating for Roberson. “The vast team fighting for Robert Roberson—people all across Texas, the country, and the world—are elated tonight,” she stated. Sween underscored how courageous bipartisan Texas lawmakers pursued the details of Roberson's case, details overlooked by earlier courts, recognizing his life was worth fighting for. “He lives to fight another day and hopes his experience can improve the integrity of our criminal legal system,” she added.
Efforts to delay Roberson's execution included lawmakers issuing subpoenas for him to testify before a House committee. They argued moving forward with his execution would infringe upon the Legislature’s constitutional powers. Just prior to the delay, Roberson was set for execution; but as the case unfolded, and with mounting public and political scrutiny, the Texas Supreme Court issued its ruling to postpone.
Roberson’s execution was momentarily paused by the judges, followed by reversals from lower appellate courts. Finally, the Texas Supreme Court recognized the importance of the situation and stepped up, giving Roberson time to testify. He is scheduled to appear before the committee on Monday, leading advocates to hope his testimony will illuminate the truth, fighting against what they view as past failures of the legal system.
The shared statement from Texas State Representatives Joe Moody, a Democrat, and Jeff Leach, a Republican, reiterated the grim realities facing Roberson. “For over 20 years, Robert Roberson has spent 23.5 hours of every single day in solitary confinement… longing and striving to be heard.” They praised the Texas Supreme Court for respecting legislative authority and heralded the opportunity for Roberson’s voice to be heard at the Capitol, where they believe truth must prevail.
Previously, Governor Greg Abbott and the U.S. Supreme Court had both declined to intervene and stop Roberson’s impending execution. Abbott’s ability to halt the execution rested on him granting Roberson a 30-day reprieve—something he chose not to act upon after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Roberson's plea for clemency.
Roberson’s legal defense team argued against the validity of the evidence presented during his trial, stating prominent medical experts have widely discredited the notion of shaken baby syndrome as being responsible for the symptoms seen with Curtis. They also pointed out Roberson’s autism—a diagnosis only made official in 2018—had adversely influenced perceptions of his actions when he rushed his daughter to the hospital.
Moving forward, Roberson’s case raises complex questions not only about his life but about the broader challenges and failings of the American justice system. With bipartisan support rallying around him, the hopeful narrative seeks to redefine the standards for justice, focusing on restoring integrity and humanity to experiences involving capital punishment.
