Summary
A Texas court stopped the execution of Robert Roberson, a man on death row, because of doubts about the scientific evidence used in his conviction for his daughter's death. Roberson claims his daughter died due to medical issues, not shaken baby syndrome. The case is being revisited under a law that allows re-evaluation of cases based on outdated scientific methods.
Key Facts
- Robert Roberson was convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter in a case involving shaken baby syndrome.
- Shaken baby syndrome is a diagnosis for a brain injury caused by violently shaking a child.
- The Texas Court halted his execution, scheduled for October 16, under a law allowing review of debunked scientific evidence.
- Lawmakers from both political parties have supported revisiting the case due to concerns over outdated medical theories.
- Roberson's execution was also paused last year when lawmakers subpoenaed him to testify, causing his execution warrant to expire.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supports the execution, citing abusive injuries found in the child's post-mortem examination.
- Roberson argues his daughter's medical issues and medications contributed to her death, not his actions.
- A key detective in the case now supports seeking Roberson's release, believing in his innocence.
