Texas halts Robert Robertson's execution in shaken baby case
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Texas Halts Execution in Shaken Baby Syndrome Case
A Texas appeals court has intervened to halt the scheduled execution of Robert Robertson, who was convicted in 2002 in connection with the death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. The court granted a stay of execution just days before Robertson's scheduled execution date.
Robertson, who has been on death row for over two decades, was slated to be the first person executed based on evidence related to shaken baby syndrome. However, his legal team has argued for his innocence, citing the unreliability of the evidence used in his conviction.
The Texas Supreme Court had previously cleared the way for Robertson's execution after a series of appeal denials. However, the appeals court has now sent the case back to a trial court for further review.
Robertson's attorneys presented arguments based on a previously overturned conviction in a similar case. They also highlighted new evidence and the evolving medical understanding of shaken baby syndrome. They contend that the symptoms displayed by Nikki Curtis could have been caused by factors other than abuse, with a consensus among medical professionals supporting this view.
The appeals court's order mandates that the trial court address the claims presented by Robertson's legal team, effectively delaying the execution and potentially opening the door for a new trial or a reduced sentence.
BNN's Perspective: The complexities of this case highlight the critical importance of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of evidence, particularly in cases involving medical diagnoses that are subject to evolving scientific understanding. While the justice system must hold individuals accountable, it is equally crucial to prevent the execution of potentially innocent individuals. The court's decision to re-examine the evidence is a necessary step in upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
Keywords: Texas, execution, Robert Robertson, shaken baby syndrome, death row, appeals court, Nikki Curtis, conviction, innocence, trial court, evidence, legal, medical, justice.