The Texas Supreme Court has granted a last-minute stay of execution to Robert Roberson, a man with autism whose murder conviction was based on a misdiagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. Roberson, scheduled to be executed for the death of his daughter Nikki, was saved by a bipartisan group of Texas politicians who issued a subpoena for him to testify before a House committee examining his case. The Supreme Court temporarily halted the execution to allow his testimony.
Unlike Derrick Dearman, who was put to death in Alabama for axe murders, Roberson maintains his innocence with new medical evidence suggesting his daughter died of natural causes. Despite board and Supreme Court rejections, his case has gained attention from the Innocence Project, John Grisham, and even the detective who initially arrested him. Roberson’s diagnosis of autism, not known until recently, played a key role in his conviction.
This case sheds light on flaws in the justice system and the need for forensic science reform to prevent wrongful convictions based on erroneous evidence.
[ad_2]
Source link
