US: Autistic Texas Man To Be Executed Over 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'

A man from Texas is set to be executed this week in relation to the death of his two-year-old daughter, a case that has sparked debate over the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

Robert Roberson, 57, is due to receive a lethal injection on Thursday for the 2002 death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis.

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Prosecutors allege she was shaken with such force that it led to fatal head injuries.

Roberson has consistently maintained his innocence. His defence team, along with a group of Texas lawmakers and medical experts, argue that the conviction was based on outdated and inaccurate scientific evidence.

They claim that new research suggests Nikki's death was due to complications from severe pneumonia, rather than abuse by her father.

Nevertheless, prosecutors insist that the new evidence does not weaken their case. They argue that Nikki's death was the result of abuse, pointing to brain swelling, brain haemorrhaging, and bruising found on her body when she was admitted to hospital.

Court records indicate that medical staff immediately suspected abuse based on the nature of her injuries.

What is shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome refers to a severe brain injury caused when a child's head is violently shaken or subjected to impact, such as being slammed against a surface or thrown to the ground, usually by an adult caregiver.

Dr Suzanne Haney, a paediatrician specialising in child abuse and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, explains that this type of injury can lead to major brain trauma.