A Texas man’s life hangs in the balance due to a shaken baby syndrome case recorded in 2002. This execution is scheduled for this month making it the first of its kind. Although many have been accused of shaken baby syndrome, they have been exonerated. Nearly forty people have been declared not guilty. However, in the case of Robert Roberson, they say he deserves the chair.
Controversy in Texas: Man Faces Execution Over ‘Shaken Baby’ Death
Per NBC News, Robert Roberson’s execution is scheduled for October 17. But the man had spoken up ahead of his condemnation date. The convict filed a clemency petition with the state of Texas, after which he spoke to a reporter. During his interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, he begged the governor for a pardon. Roberson addressed Governor Greg Abbott, explaining the support he has garnered. Then he concluded by adding that he was hopeful the right thing would be done.
Two decades ago, Roberson was convicted of murdering his daughter. He reported to a hospital where he sought emergency service in 2002. At the time, Roberson told the attendants that he awoke to a strange cry in his home in East Texas. Once he spotted that it was his daughter, Nikki, he comforted her and went back to bed. Hours later the Texas resident noticed that Nikki had stopped breathing and her lips were blue.
The doctors claimed that she showed signs of brain death and a few hours later, Nikki was declared dead. Despite the diagnosis, doctors in a Texas hospital believed that she died from shaken baby syndrome. Nikki experienced brain Swelling, bleeding, and retinal hemorrhaging. Still, they claimed it only happened due to Roberson’s violence. Right before concluding the autopsy, Roberson was arrested and tried for capital murder. Investigators claimed he showed no emotions after losing his daughter. This supported their belief of his guilt.
Just last month, Roberson’s case was retried. His lawyers claimed that Nikki was visited by about forty doctors during her lifetime. This could mean that she had a medical condition before her death. In their argument, not all evidence was entered during the trial. Yet Texas’ highest court refused to stop the execution.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
