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.

Adding to the doubts, the lead detective in the initial investigation, Brian Wharton, has since come forward to say he believes Roberson is innocent. Wharton wrote in a letter that he will be "forever haunted" by his role in Roberson's arrest and prosecution, acknowledging that Roberson's "flat demeanor" due to an autism diagnosis was wrongly interpreted as a "sign of culpability" during the trial.

Despite these developments, Texas prosecutors remain adamant that Roberson is guilty, and his execution is still scheduled to proceed. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate around shaken baby syndrome and the reliability of forensic evidence in criminal convictions.