05 October 2024 :
October 1, 2024 - Texas. Texas Lawmakers Pray With Robert Roberson and Urge Clemency to Stop Oct.17 Execution
Mr. Roberson faces execution for a crime that never occurred.
Robert Roberson, who has been on death row for over two decades following the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, is at the center of a growing movement calling for justice.
Over the years, new evidence and scientific advancements have cast serious doubt on his conviction, prompting many to argue that his case was mishandled, that he deserves a new trial, and that there is in fact overwhelming evidence that his daughter died of natural and accidental causes.
As Mr. Roberson’s Oct. 17 execution date approaches, support for his clemency continues to build including from 34 eminent scientists and doctors, advocates for parental rights and autism, faith leaders, innocence advocacy groups, former judges, attorneys, and best-selling novelist John Grisham. Brian Wharton, the former lead detective in charge of investigating Nikki’s death who directed that Mr. Roberson be arrested based on a doctor’s shaken baby hypothesis made even before an autopsy was performed, and who testified for the prosecution at trial, has come to believe Mr. Roberson is innocent.
This support took a significant step forward recently when a bipartisan group of Texas state legislators visited Mr. Roberson on death row in Livingston. These representatives, who were part of a group of 86 lawmakers, sent a letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles requesting clemency, met with Mr. Roberson personally to pray with him and express their concerns about his case. Following the visit, the lawmakers called for immediate action to halt his execution and grant him a fair retrial based on new evidence of his innocence.
Their statements reflect a deep concern for the fairness of the legal process and the consequences of executing a man whose conviction is based on discredited pseudoscience:
Joe Moody (D-El Paso)
“I thought I’d be bringing Robert a message of hope today, but instead, I left inspired myself. He’s clearly suffered greatly, but he was still optimistic and future-focused as he told us about the good he wants to do for other people who’ve gone through what he’s experienced. His faith and spirit just reinforced my commitment to fighting for him so that he has that chance—and so that this injustice never happens to another Texan.”
Lacey Hull (R-Houston)
“Meeting Robert truly brought home the tragic reality of his situation. Despite his pending execution, he is full of hope and faith and a desire to help others. He still grieves the loss of his daughter and is hopeful and thankful to everyone helping his cause. I am praying that he sees the justice and new trial that he and Nikki deserve.”
John Bucy III (D-Cedar Park)
“Robert Roberson has spent 20 years in prison for the death of his daughter despite strong evidence of his innocence—and in 20 days, he will be killed by the state if we don’t act.
Today, a bipartisan coalition of Texas House members went to visit Robert on death row. We are calling for clemency in his case as new evidence and improved science have cast doubt on his conviction.
To have full faith and confidence in our justice system, we must act when it is clearly necessary to uphold fairness and common sense—and the time to act is now.”
Salman Bhojani (D-Euless)
“As a state legislator, I could not stand by idly as our state prepares to execute a likely innocent person. Evidence and science prove Nikki’s death was likely accidental or due to natural causes, and Mr. Roberson deserves our compassion and mercy. I appreciate TDCJ allowing my colleagues and me to meet with him and express our concerns about this perversion of justice.”
Kronda Thimesch (R-Lewisville)
“I met Robert Roberson today, and after learning about his case, I am urgently joining my House colleagues in requesting that his scheduled execution be halted so that Mr. Roberson can receive a fair trial based on scientific evidence.
With the enormous power of a capital punishment penalty must also come the monumental responsibility to make sure we are getting it right. If the State of Texas is going to end a life, it cannot be under the shadow of junk science with far too many questions unanswered.”
Christian Manuel (D-Port Arthur)
“I cannot in good conscience be silent as our state seeks to execute Robert Roberson, a man with autism who has been mourning the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter for the last 22 years.
As a state and as a legislative body, we must reaffirm our commitment to justice and criminal justice reform. And we have to take better care of Texans with autism and how they are treated in our society.”
