Texas | Lead Detective on Robert Roberson’s Case Now Believes He Is Innocent

Brian Wharton, who was the lead detective in Palestine, Texas at the time of Robert Roberson’s conviction for the death of his two-year-old daughter Nikki, now believes Mr. Roberson is innocent and supports abolition of the death penalty.

Mr. Wharton said in a video for The New York Times that there is “unassailable doubt” that Mr. Roberson is guilty.

In the video, Mr. Wharton recounts his role in the investigation of Nikki’s death, describing how he believed he was doing the right thing, but now sees that the evidence against Mr. Roberson was missing key context, including Mr. Roberson’s undiagnosed autism and Nikki’s underlying health conditions, and relied on the now-debunked theory of shaken baby syndrome (SBS).

Mr. Wharton now believes the death penalty should be abolished. “We as human beings are incapable of producing the kind of fairness and justice required to take someone’s life,” he said.

Mr. Roberson is scheduled to be executed on October 17, 2024.

Source: Death Penalty Information Center, Staff, July 31, 2024

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