The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stopped the execution of Robert Roberson, who was scheduled to die on Oct. 16 for the 2003 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis.
The court granted a stay and returned the case to the trial court under Texas’ “junk science” law for further review.
Roberson’s defense team contends that his conviction relied on a now-contested diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Attorneys argue that advances in medical research have cast doubt on the reliability of the diagnosis used in his case. They submitted new evidence suggesting Nikki’s injuries may have resulted from natural or accidental causes rather than abuse.
Attorney Gretchen Sween, who represents Roberson, called the court’s action a critical step toward reexamining the evidence, while noting that additional proceedings remain ahead.
The appeals court referenced a similar Dallas case in which a conviction was overturned after new scientific findings undermined the shaken baby syndrome theory. Judges stated that Roberson’s case warrants the same level of review.
A hearing will take place in Anderson County, where Nikki’s death occurred. The trial court there will determine whether a new trial is warranted and submit its findings to the Court of Criminal Appeals, which will decide the final outcome.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office has assumed responsibility for the case from the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office has not issued a statement regarding the stay.
