Merit Street Media
Monday, October 14, 2024
Season 1 | Episode 110
Is an outdated science keeping an innocent man on Death Row?
Robert Roberson has been sitting on death row in Texas for over two decades after being convicted in 2002 for the death of his two-year old daughter Nikki. He is scheduled to be executed on October 17, 2024. Robert’s attorneys say Robert is a victim of a "junk science" conviction related to shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Roberson has always claimed her death was accidental. While SBS was widely accepted then, evolving medical science now questions its validity, suggesting other causes like infections or falls. Dr. Phil speaks with Stephanie, a childcare worker convicted of “Shaken Baby Syndrome”, and Donna, who met Roberson through her son and believes in his innocence. Attorney Gretchen Sween is Roberson's attorney, forensic legal expert Kate Judson and “Wrongful Convictions” podcast host, Jason Flom argue Robert’s conviction is based on outdated science. Joining in on the discussion is Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned brain specialist and psychiatrist, who says the medical community believes “Shaken Baby Syndrome” is real. And Loni Coombs, Anchor on News on Merit Street and former Los Angeles prosecutor, believes Roberson may not have received a fair trial since the medical experts who examined Roberson’s daughter only saw “Shaken Baby Syndrome” as a possible reason for her death.
