Texas Death Row Inmate Seeks New Trial in Daughter’s Death

Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson's attorneys are seeking a new trial in the 2003 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. His lawyers recently filed a notice citing a Georgia ruling involving similar evidence, as an Anderson County court continues reviewing evidence in Roberson's case, including evidence related to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Why Is Robert Roberson Seeking a New Trial?

Robert Leslie Roberson III from Palestine, Texas was convicted in the 2003 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. Robert has been on death row ever since being convicted and was scheduled to be executed in October 2025.

READ MORE: Texas Death Row Inmates Who’ve Waited 25+ Years

What Evidence Is Being Reconsidered?

According to KETK, The Texas Criminal Court of Appeals paused Roberson's last execution and has assigned the Anderson County court where he was first tried to reconsider the evidence in this case, which included evidence involving the now-discredited Shaken Baby Syndrome diagnosis.

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How the Georgia Case Could Affect Roberson's Case

Earlier this week Roberson's lawyers submitted to the courts a notice of New Persuasive Authority, which describes the similarities between Robert’s case and the Georgia case of Danyel Smith, who was granted a new trial.

The filing comes as the 3rd District Court of Anderson County, with visiting Smith County Judge Austin Reeve-Jackson presiding, considers briefs from prosecutors and Roberson's attorneys regarding the evidence in his case.

Jackson and the trial court have not yet scheduled a hearing on those briefs. Roberson's attorneys said the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals can grant him a new trial, but the trial court must first make a recommendation.