Texas House Urges Clemency for Death Row Inmate Amid Shaken Baby Syndrome Controversy

Lawmakers and advocates argue new scientific evidence proves Robert Roberson's innocence as execution date approaches.

A bipartisan majority of Texas House members have called on the state to grant clemency to Robert Roberson, who is set to be executed on October 17.
Roberson was convicted in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, based on a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, which has since been widely discredited.
New evidence, including medical records and expert opinions, suggests Nikki's death was due to natural causes, such as undiagnosed pneumonia and inappropriate medication.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, which rarely recommends clemency, will make its decision before the scheduled execution date.
Prominent figures like author John Grisham and former detective Brian Wharton, who originally testified against Roberson, now advocate for his exoneration, citing a miscarriage of justice.