Roberson Seeks New Trial or Innocence Declaration

Robert Roberson, a Texas death row inmate, has filed a new appeal with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, seeking either a declaration of innocence or a new trial. Convicted in 2003 for the death of his daughter, Nikki, Roberson's case hinges on claims that she died from severe viral and bacterial pneumonia rather than shaken baby syndrome. His legal team argues that the conviction was based on outdated and discredited science, presenting new expert testimonies that challenge the original autopsy findings. The appeal also highlights similar exoneration cases, such as Andrew Wayne Roark's, where the scientific consensus has shifted. Despite the Texas Attorney General’s office's insistence on the fairness of the original trial, Roberson's defense emphasizes his autism and special education background, asserting a rushed judgment led to wrongful conviction. With his execution stayed, the court has yet to decide on the new petition.