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Texas Man's Execution Questioned Amid Shaken Baby Syndrome Debate

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Robert Roberson faces execution on October 16 for the 2002 death of his daughter Nikki Curtis.
He says pneumonia—not abuse—caused the death alone.
The conviction rested on shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis now questioned, and Roberson's autism may have influenced perceptions.
Texas lawmakers back a new trial; Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton maintains the case involved abuse.

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Story summary

Robert Roberson faces execution on October 16 for the 2002 death of his daughter Nikki Curtis.
He says pneumonia—not abuse—caused the death alone.
The conviction rested on shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis now questioned, and Roberson's autism may have influenced perceptions.
Texas lawmakers back a new trial; Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton maintains the case involved abuse.