It was 2002, in Texas, USA, Robert Robertson’s two-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis fell unconscious on the bed. Robertson rushed her to the hospital, but the girl died a day later. Upon examination, it was found that he had suffered serious head injuries. Within a year, Robertson, 57, was tried for her daughter’s murder and sentenced to death.
Doctors and an autopsy concluded Nikki died of “severe abuse” at the hands of Robertson, with shaken baby syndrome thought to be the primary cause. A Texas committee reconsidering the validity of Robertson’s conviction issued a subpoena to Robertson for a hearing on Monday, October 21.
Punishment will be carried out on Thursday
Robertson, however, did not arrive Monday. He was scheduled to undergo lethal injection in Huntsville on Thursday at 6 pm local time after a Texas commission rejected his clemency petition last Wednesday. Just hours before the execution, a Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the execution.
Supporters have spoken out
At the time of the ruling, the Texas Supreme Court stayed the execution of his sentence. Robertson, his attorneys, Texas lawmakers and even the lead investigator said he was being sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. Robertson’s supporters argue his conviction was based on incomplete evidence and did not properly consider the child’s health.
What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Robertson’s conviction sparked a heated debate in the United States about shaken baby syndrome. On the one hand people defended him, on the other hand there were calls for punishment. The scientific validity of this syndrome has long been questioned. Let’s understand what shaken baby syndrome is and its symptoms.
Shaken baby syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when a young baby is shaken violently. This process can cause severe damage to the child’s brain, since young children have large heads and weak brains. This can cause bleeding, swelling, and other serious health problems in the brain. In very severe cases, the child may even die.
What are the symptoms of this syndrome?
– Unusual irritability or drowsiness
– Dietary problems
– Vomit
– travel
– Difficulty breathing
– Trembling
