What is the status of Robert Roberson's case?

Robert Roberson, a Texas man, is scheduled to be executed on October 16th, 2025 for the 2002 murder of his 2-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis, despite growing doubts over his conviction.

What evidence is being questioned in the Roberson case?

Roberson's attorneys argue that Nikki Curtis died from health issues, not murder, and that the science behind the "shaken baby syndrome" used to convict Roberson has been "undermined" in recent years.

Who is supporting Robert Roberson's claim of innocence?

The lead detective in the initial investigation, Brian Wharton, has come forward to say he believes Roberson is innocent, and that Roberson's "flat demeanor" due to an autism diagnosis was wrongly interpreted as a "sign of culpability" during the trial.

Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Man's Execution Looms Despite Doubts Over Murder Conviction

Texas Man's Execution Looms Despite Doubts Over Murder Conviction

9 Oct

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Summary

Robert Roberson convicted of 2002 murder of 2-year-old daughter
Attorneys claim daughter died from health issues, not murder
Lead detective now believes Roberson is innocent

Texas Man's Execution Looms Despite Doubts Over Murder Conviction

In a controversial case, a Texas man named Robert Roberson is set to be executed on October 16th, 2025, despite growing doubts over his murder conviction. Roberson has been on death row for more than 20 years after he was found guilty of killing his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in 2002.

At the time, prosecutors claimed Nikki had died of shaken baby syndrome and that Roberson was responsible. However, Roberson's attorneys have long argued that the toddler was not murdered, but instead died from numerous health issues, including acute viral pneumonia and inappropriate medication prescribed by doctors.

Now, a new Dateline podcast hosted by Lester Holt is taking an in-depth look at the case, highlighting the evolving science around shaken baby syndrome. Holt notes that the medical evidence used to convict Roberson has been "undermined" in recent years, with growing evidence that other factors can cause the same effects.