The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals halted the execution of Robert Roberson, an autistic man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, citing the need to reconsider disputed evidence regarding "shaken baby syndrome." The ruling, issued just a week before his scheduled execution, follows a long legal battle that has drawn national attention, including from figures like Dr. Phil and author John Grisham.
Roberson’s attorneys have questioned the validity of shaken baby syndrome as a cause of death, arguing that his daughter died from medical complications rather than abuse. In response, Texas passed a 2013 law allowing legal challenges based on discredited forensic evidence. The Court of Criminal Appeals referred to a previous ruling that overturned a shaken baby conviction, instructing a lower court to reassess Roberson’s case in light of new scientific understanding.
Roberson’s attorneys have questioned the validity of shaken baby syndrome as a cause of death, arguing that his daughter died from medical complications rather than abuse. In response, Texas passed a 2013 law allowing legal challenges based on discredited forensic evidence. The Court of Criminal Appeals referred to a previous ruling that overturned a shaken baby conviction, instructing a lower court to reassess Roberson’s case in light of new scientific understanding.
