Veteran Anchor Lester Holt Explores Controversial 'Shaken Baby' Case in New Podcast

In September 2025, veteran NBC News anchor Lester Holt is stepping away from his TV duties to explore a controversial criminal justice case in a new podcast series. Holt's first original podcast, "The Last Appeal," will examine the case of Robert Roberson, a Texas man scheduled to be executed on October 16 for shaking his two-year-old daughter to death.

Holt traveled to Palestine, Texas, to interview principals and experts in the case, finding that the "shaken baby syndrome" theory that led to Roberson's conviction has been widely discredited in recent years. Holt even tracked down the lead detective on the case, who now believes he made a mistake.

The veteran anchor sees the podcast as an opportunity to use his skills in a different medium, noting that the absence of cameras may have helped interviewees feel less intimidated and more open to deeper conversation. Holt believes the narrative format of the podcast is an effective way to take listeners into the heart of the story.

Holt's probe into the Roberson case marks his latest dive into criminal justice issues, a topic he has examined at several points in his career. The anchor hopes the podcast will give a voice to people who don't always get to contribute to debates about larger issues like mass incarceration.