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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Attorney General counters interference in Robert Roberson’s capital punishment case

State AG
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Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General | https://www.naag.org/attorney-general/ken-paxton/

The Office of the Attorney General has released evidence, including the original autopsy report, to counter claims by a coalition opposing the execution of Robert Roberson. Roberson was convicted in 2003 for the murder of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis.

In 2002, Nikki was taken to a hospital with severe injuries. Emergency Room Nurse Andrea Sims testified that Nikki had extensive bruising and a handprint on her face. Witnesses reported that Roberson had a history of abusing his daughter. Medical experts at trial confirmed that Nikki died from blunt force head injuries, not from being shaken.

Dr. Jill Urban conducted the autopsy and found multiple impact wounds on Nikki's head. Her findings were supported by six supervising medical examiners. In 2016, Dr. Urban reaffirmed her conclusion about the cause of death during an appeal process.

Roberson's account of events changed multiple times during investigations and trials. Initially claiming Nikki fell off a bed, he later blamed her for frequent falls and confessed to slapping her before changing his story again.

Roberson also admitted to sexual assaulting Nikki to a cellmate and described physically abusive behavior towards her when upset with his partner.

A group of activists and legislators is challenging Roberson's execution by arguing that he was convicted using "junk science" related to "shaken baby syndrome." The Attorney General's office disputes these claims, stating:

"The jury did not convict Roberson on the basis of 'Shaken Baby Syndrome.' The 'junk science' objection that has been used as a pretext to interfere with the proceedings has no basis in reality."

Roberson was sentenced to death after exhausting all legal appeals. The Office accuses some legislators of interfering with justice:

"A few legislators have grossly interfered with the justice system by disregarding the separation of powers outlined in the State Constitution."

For further details, readers are directed to additional documents provided by the Office.

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