Texas Judge Weighs Execution Date for Autistic Inmate Robert Roberson

Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson, who is autistic, is facing a hearing to determine a new execution date after Attorney General Ken Paxton requested his execution be scheduled. Roberson was convicted in 2002 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, under the shaken baby syndrome theory, which has since been discredited, and new scientific evidence now suggests she died from natural causes including pneumonia and complications from prescribed medications. The case has attracted significant public attention, with lawmakers, faith-based groups, and even the lead detective from the original investigation advocating for rehearing the case and questioning Roberson's guilt. Roberson's defense team argues that setting an execution date is premature as his habeas corpus petition is still pending in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and that there is overwhelming evidence of his innocence. The case has also involved unusual legal developments, including the Texas Attorney General's office taking over prosecution from the local district attorney, leading to a legal and political conflict surrounding the execution timing. A hearing before Judge Austin Reeve Jackson is scheduled to address these issues and decide whether to proceed with the execution as requested by Paxton.