Robert Roberson, the first person in the U.S. set to be executed based on the controversial “shaken baby syndrome” hypothesis, has been granted a temporary reprieve. Late Thursday, the Texas Supreme Court issued a stay, delaying his execution and capping a series of legal maneuvers. Roberson, convicted of murdering his 2-year-old daughter, expressed shock and gratitude upon learning of the delay, proclaiming his innocence.
His legal team, led by attorney Gretchen Sween, lauded bipartisan Texas lawmakers for intervening to allow Roberson to testify in an upcoming legislative hearing focused on “junk science” used in legal cases. Roberson’s conviction was largely based on medical testimony supporting “shaken baby syndrome,” a diagnosis now widely questioned by experts.
New evidence suggests that Roberson’s daughter had pneumonia at the time of her death, which could have led to her fatal condition. Over 30 medical experts and a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers have urged a review of Roberson’s case, arguing that the new scientific evidence warrants a new trial. Roberson’s execution, initially set for Thursday, was put back on track briefly before the Texas Supreme Court intervened. A legislative hearing, where Roberson is set to testify, is scheduled for Monday.
