Texas Death Row Inmate Wants New Trial

Innocent until proven guilty isn't always a sure thing. This Texas death row story has many twists and turns, most of them sad.

According to The Texas Tribune, Robert Roberson was found guilty of killing his daughter in 2003 and was sent to death row in Texas. His lawyers always claimed his innocence and that the cause of death wasn't always correct.

What Was Robert Roberson Accused Of Doing?

In 2002, his daughter Nikki, only 2 years old at the time, was rushed to the hospital. The doctors claimed that she was violently shaken. The diagnosis was Shaken Baby Syndrome, and she never recovered.

Robert Roberson was arrested for her death on the doctor's diagnosis. Robert was his daughter's only legal guardian, but it was her grandparents who allowed the hospital to take her off life support.

A recent court filing explains why the grandparents were allowed to do this, as a judge instructed the hospital that they were in charge. Now it has been found that the judge lied, and this illegal act is causing big issues for Robert's case.

Judge's Son Causes A Conflict Of Interest

The judge in question, Judge Jerry Calhoon, also had a son, Mark Calhoon, a prosecutor in Roberts' trial. This was a huge conflict of interest.

Keep Reading: Is Claire's In Lufkin Mall Closing For Good? 

The judge should have recused himself to make sure everything was handled on the up and up. This new information has Robert's lawyers asking for a new trial.

Keep Reading: Is Claire's In Lufkin Mall Closing For Good? 
They want the court to take another look at the case because Robert is scheduled to be executed on October 16, 2025. This inmate could get a new trial and walk away a free man.