He Didn’t Kill His Child, But He’s About to Be Executed Anyway | NYT Opinion

[@TwoNote]

This is heartbreaking, imagine his pain losing his daughter, and then being jailed for the next 20 years with the agony of a death sentence.

[@jaydawg2023]

@@JamesBrown-gv1vg Amen brother. This man is guilty. One-sided video.

[@howlinwulf]

​@@JamesBrown-gv1vgdid your kid die how did you react. Oh it didn't happen to you. So you don't know. Hush

[@howlinwulf]

​@@jaydawg2023yeah the sheriff is guilty. You're just as bad.

[@annonimiss6422]

​@@JamesBrown-gv1vgand is that true for every person with autism?

[@annonimiss6422]

​You misunderstood that part. He was saying that it's been debunked by many doctors regarding this specific case. Not SBS in general. @JamesBrown-gv1vg

[@FSR431]

"We, as human beings, are incapable of producing the kind of fairness and justice to take someone's life." Such an epic statement of truth that no one could refute.

[@JonMurray]

I’ll refute it. Eye for an eye. The problem comes from people like this man and the system he worked in. Convictions pushed through for the win. A pathetic man who ruined another man’s life and at the last minute “found god” so wants forgiveness from him before he dies.

[@22macc75]

A beautifully said statement truly

[@o_m8717]

4:52

[@garywright9715]

What gibberish. When millions of innocent lives taken before they are born is fine.

[@garywright9715]

I’ve said much more but leftist YT will not allow it.

[@Mcwollybob]

As a person with autism too, as soon as the man mentioned Robert seeming expressionless, emotionless, and not acting according to how he "should be," I knew immediately what this video was going to be about. And I was, sadly, correct.

[@SerPounceToebeans]

If you were really autistic you wouldn't have said that…

[@MariaPiedadChoreographer]

​@@JamesBrown-gv1vgIt's a spectrum, not everyone would act or feel the same way. Besides nobody has the same living experience or thought process, not even identical twins.

[@Velocifaptor92]

​@JamesBrown-gv1vg It's the home diagnosed acoustics that say legit cases of autism aren't legit

[@Velocifaptor92]

​@@MariaPiedadChoreographerThis

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

Me too with the autism. Mine wasn't diagnosed until I was diagnosed at age 64, to no one's surprise except my own (I just thought I was stupid). In many situations throughout my life, my autism has been an advantage--in crisis situations where everyone else was freaking out, I'm the one who is calm and not emotional at all. I rode hunter/jumpers from my teens through my early 30s, mostly off track Thoroughbreds. Hot horses over high fences, yee-haaaa! I did really well with the Thoroughbreds because I project calm and emotionless easily. Since horses are sensitive to their rider's emotional state, this is a huge advantage. I then got into dog training and somehow ended up learning to handle dogs whose owners were afraid their dog was aggressive (well over 95% of the dogs were actually fearful). Again, my natural tendency to react with calm and lack of emotion is a huge advantage. Dogs reflect human emotions and when they meet me, they mirror my calm and lack of emotional reaction. Everyone calms down and we can all get going on what needs to happen without further drama. I was infertile but I have niblings that I love more than life itself. I'd gladly take a bullet for any of them. The most satisfying 3 months of my life were when my sister and I discovered that I had the amazing superpower to lull my colicky nephew to sleep, lay him down and he'd sleep for 4 to 5 hours--so she hired me to live with them for 3 months just to do that. It literally makes my hands shake to think of it but what if my nephew had died of SIDS? I know how much I love him and just thinking about his death, even now that he's almost 30 makes tears leak out of my eyes--but in the crisis, I know I would be calm and seem to lack emotion, I'd be the one trying to organise everything and do whatever I could to make the situation better. I hope someone like Brian Wharton wouldn't be looking at me and thinking "she's too calm, she's not normal, obviously she killed that baby."

[@JM-zk9ou]

There's a guy in Missouri on death row whose execution is pending. The PROSECUTING attorney is trying to have him exonerated based on new evidence. The state has not postponed the execution date. It's appalling. The death penalty needs to be abolished

[@jaydawg2023]

"New evidence." Yeah, yeah, who believes that. People on death row get countless of appeals. Why do you think it takes 20 years to carry out an execution? These weak pieces of journalism are part of a anti-death penalty strategy and don't care about the facts, they play to the feelings of weak-minded people.

[@idwtgymn]

How is that the solution? If he was doing life and the prosecuting attorney was unsuccesful in exonerating him would that be OK? The problem is lack of access to adequate appeal resources. It is not consistent to argue against the death penalty on grounds of potential execution of the innocent, life imprisonment of them is as bad or worse.

[@midknight1968]

Hear Hear!

[@MrRecrute]

@@idwtgymnat least the person would not be dead. And if new scientific evidence that cast doubt on the original conviction appeared the person could be freed.

[@idwtgymn]

@@MrRecrute Not being dead is not necessarily a good thing when you are living life in a cage. And the odds of getting exonerated in a situation where there would be no exoneration in the 20 years on death row are essentially 0%. If anything, you are more likely to get exonerated on death row because there is a deadline and there is more attention. And at least the death penalty requires society to acknowledge what it is actually doing when it decides to remove a person from society, it is too easy for people to tell themselves that a life sentence is anything other than the cruel long death sentence it really is.

[@SwedePotato314]

I just read into this case and it is horrific. His daughter was 2 and was incredibly sick for a week before her death. The doctotrs game her codeine and phenegren which you very obviously do not give to 2 year olds. She had penumonia that the doctors missed and the codeine depressed her CNS and breathing. He also had autism and they thought he was just "uncaring". Our justice system is broken in so many ways. I do not trust anyones judgement enough to believe they can find someone else should be put to death.

[@merg-vh5sx]

Does codeine produce the same symptoms as shaking a baby? Rhetorical.

[@misterhobson]

​@merg-vh5sx there wasn't any evidence of it

[@emelynjudge1011]

​@@merg-vh5sxEvidence showes that she did not die shaken baby syndrome. The child was misdiagnosed

[@FlyingCaesar316]

fun fact: it's called a legal system, not a justice system. here, spell it with me. L, E, G, A, L, S, Y, S, T, E, M! you did it!

[@SwedePotato314]

@@FlyingCaesar316 go take a nap, grandpa.

[@SomPrince]

I’m not a law student but how does the child’s health issues not enter as evidence

[@anonimushbosh]

Sloppy investigation, sloppy trial. You know when people complain that hiring a diverse workforce results in lower qualified staff? Things like this remind us just how ‘qualified’ that regular staff is - and why more diversity could only raise the bar. Having more autistic staff in the police or the courts system for example.

[@Elo-hv3fw]

You asked a question that only a good law student would ask !!!!!!!!

[@openminds8765]

Its TexASS

[@GeeB1]

Ummmm....it's Texas...think about it.

[@OMAN3307]

@@GeeB1stop acting silly

[@jennifervan75]

2 decades waiting for death...that's absolutely disgusting

[@tomhermens7698]

Total mind blowing. We should not take people's lives. Texas is trigger happy at it.

[@weichenchi253]

It took great courage to admit he made mistakes.

[@cemdursun]

I recently watched a video regarding Japan's death penalty system and learned that they don't tell the death row inmate when their execution by hanging would be until the morning of that day. It can be the next week or three decades later.

[@tomhermens7698]

@@cemdursun good G.. humans are so cruel.

[@jennifervan75]

@@weichenchi253 boohoo don't care

[@alison4316]

If we aren't 100% sure on 100% of cases, capital punishment should be abolished.

[@merg-vh5sx]

I'm hundred percent sure of this.

[@christystewart4567]

There’s no such thing as 100% sure. But you’ll always find people boiling for revenge who insist upon it. Except if their own relatives are accused and convicted suddenly they don’t believe in the death penalty for their loved ones. But they still support it for others.

[@krist6074]

If the prosecutor is basically saying they made a huge mistake, they should re-investigate. If there's any doubt, this man should deserve a new trial! The jury in this case made a huge mistake!! They should be held accountable!

[@Johnny-mq3mo]

the jury didn't make a mistake the state prosecutor and detectives did the jurors only are able to make a decision based on evidence that they are presented with many times jurors are able to find out about evidence that never saw light in a courtroom and if it had there decision would be a completely different one

[@pppgggr]

The Jury isn't at fault, here. They were only allowed to consider the evidence that was brought by the prosecution and the defense. This was a failure of the justice system.

[@cornell833]

​@@Johnny-mq3mofacts 💯

[@LetterToGodFromMeToYou]

​@@Johnny-mq3moThe jury is just regular people. Of course they are the ones who made a mistake.

[@soulstorm8806]

Never thought I’d ever like a New York Times video again. But this one needs to be heard. My only son happens to be autistic. This man ⬆️ should be set free. Respect to the former Detective. ✊🏼 Thanks to NYT for getting this word out.

[@mick3839]

I'm an Aussie & I just came across this story. I'm not a religious man but I'm praying that he gets a new trial & that real justice is done. Stay strong brother 🙏

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

Theotokos

[@16BitDungeon]

Real justice was already done.

[@chrissis.6140]

​@@16BitDungeon did he get out?

[@16BitDungeon]

@@chrissis.6140 Nope, and he never will.

[@chrissis.6140]

@@16BitDungeon but if he's innocent? I'm not American or in America so I don't know much about that story, so excuse me if I'm asking a dumb question. Greetings from Germany 😊

[@beatricerigaud8942]

Shame on this man for not investigating properly but judging the father for his response to his kids emergency. And now he asked for forgiveness to the man he sent to jail 20 years ago! Shame on him and the system!

[@rop-op]

Dishing out even more shame only make fewer people come forward in cases like this so please stfu. Nothing is more important that people who have done wrong come forward.

[@Rebecca-nx5ec]

Yes it's abhorrent,

[@aaabea]

I totally agree with you! Shame!

[@mysteryj7590]

This is the saddest thing I've watched in a really long time. The humility it took to go back and say he was wrong is admirable but the response from the convicted man is even more heartwarming. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesN16]

Terrible. With less known about mental disorders, this must have happened far more. Happy to see this sheriff admit failures in the system and shine a light on the case. Hope rational heads prevail.

[@jennifervan75]

We can hope but it's the USA so probably not

[@Velocifaptor92]

​@@JamesBrown-gv1vgYou're a bad actor commenting on many posts. Only tiktok diagnosed acoustics believe that you are all a certain way and real autistic people are bad

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@JamesBrown-gv1vg I'm autistic and I have a long history of not emoting during distressing or traumatic events. As a child, my reaction to extreme stress was selective mutism (I would go silent--despite the "selective" in the diagnosis, it is not voluntary) and to this day, I still struggle with words when trying to explain my emotional reactions, If you know one person with autism, then you know one person with autism. I don't exemplify the reactions of every person with autism and neither do you.

[@VintageVegans]

@@JamesBrown-gv1vg a symptom of schizophrenia is NOT lack of emotion.

[@VintageVegans]

Autism is a developmental disorder not a mental disorder.

[@bikkiikun]

You did NOT go by the book... by discarding any other cause of death... by ignoring the medical history of the kid... by seeking the death penalty in a case so shakey.

[@nvmind4]

You probably expect "the book" to say that police should stay on the case until they find the truth, but in reality "the book" says to close the case while using the least amount of effort/resources possible. They did that. It's wrong and it's fundamentally broken, but that is what police actually mean when they say they did it "by the book". They're downplaying their personal responsibility in making the world profoundly worse because they were "just following orders".

[@vertugallery7099]

Disgusting man

[@yvie9627]

His self pity is sickening. An innocent man has lost years of his life, and could loose any chance of a future, because of your incompetence.

[@formerlyfromthefuton8171]

​@@yvie9627If he's innocent, why did he claim that his daughter fell off the bed? Who says that when the cause of death is sickness-related?

[@mercedesvelasquez8781]

​@@formerlyfromthefuton8171because she had a adverse reaction to the medication that cause her to fall shows how much you know

[@mikerivera7869]

God please save this man. He didn't do the crime. I beg you lord, please release this man from prison and conviction expunged.🙏

[@aapddd]

God won’t save him, even if he exists. There is a movie quote : god is an evil child with a magnifying glass.

[@Me1le]

This is an awefull mistake, but I respect that this man admits it.

[@gewurztramina]

It’s not only his mistake. The “system” that establishes the death penalty is fundamentally broken

[@ImStayGold42]

I don't, he should be behind bars.

[@EssexAggiegrad2011]

@@gewurztramina No

[@AnastasiaBeaverhousn]

WTH is your RESPECT going to do!!! 🙄

[@tyc1Z.Z1]

Took 20 years to admit such a drastic mistake ?

[@Kiz-qh4gf]

so just take him out of fkin prison wtf is the issue here?

[@karwashblark7499]

texas.

[@patavinity1262]

Because of the legal process. His appeals were not successful, so the only way he can get out is a pardon, either from the Governor of Texas or the President. So the responsibility for his death is now on Greg Abbott and Joe Biden.

[@N00019]

Texas gets off at executing prisoners, even if they are innocent.

[@marcosreyes6485]

Paper work.

[@christopherdaly1399]

If one changes the sentence or overturns the conviction, one is essentially contradicting the trial judge and/or jury. This is a value, standard, virtue - choose the word - held more sacrosanct than life itself. One would think there would be grounds for appeal in a case such this.

[@tomhermens7698]

Thats why there should not be a death penalty!!!

[@graceg3250]

Except, if he were in prison for life, no one would investigate or care.

[@hcn6708]

@@graceg3250Tell that to the dingo lady

[@christophercooper6731]

​@@graceg3250, er, wrong. Just look up the phrase "released after * years in prison".

[@avus-kw2f213]

@@graceg3250not true other countries are good proof of your wrongness

[@christophercooper6731]

@@avus-kw2f213, you don't actually need to look further than the _justice and freedom for all_ US. You get the justice you can afford in the US. If your disinterested, opioid addicted lawyer sleeps through the trial, you are going to be convicted, especially 35 years ago when DNA evidence didn't exist.

[@davidneraas750]

Texas better not execute Robert.

[@velvetalex4766]

@@_FROYthat’s not how sepsis works you dip.

[@ec1ipsed_]

@@_FROYyou shouldnt speak when you dont know what youre talking about.

[@parinuser]

⁠@@_FROYMy mother has a master’s degree in the medical field and my dad has a PhD. I can tell you now that even my mother, who believes SBS is rarely true, believes in Robert’s innocence.

[@MikuMilkErryday]

"According to prosecutors, physicians reported that Nikki suffered and ultimately died of "massive head trauma". Prosecutors argued that in the emergency room, Nikki was found to have "a bruise on the back of her shoulder, a scraped elbow, a bruise over her right eyebrow, bruises on her chin, a bruise on her left cheek, an abrasion next to her left eye, multiple bruises on the back of her head, a torn frenulum in her mouth, bruising on the inner surface of the lower lip, subscapular and subgaleal hemorrhaging between her skin and her skull, subarachnoid bleeding, subdural hematoma, both pre-retinal and retinal hemorrhages and brain edema."[13] Additionally, four separate doctors testified Nikki had "multiple blows to different points on the head", which could not have been caused by falling off a bed.[14] At trial, Roberson's defense expert admitted that Roberson "lost it" and shook Nikki because he could not stop her from crying" Yeah, speed up this dudes due date with the satan.

[@jirhoud]

“we made them both up, sanctity of life and the death penalty. aren’t we versatile?” - carlin. it’s not about the preservation of life, it’s about control.

[@x4at197]

It’s about punishment. As it should be. And don’t even bother trying to play the Autism card. I am on the spectrum. It’s not an excuse

[@howardsutton826]

My nephew is autistic i witnessed him after 3 people die he loved very much, he bowed at the coffins of 2 of his loved ones, No emotion's none. His dad passed away last year he stood at his coffin an said why did you leave me over an over. After entering the 3rd time to view his dad he began to cry. This is the first time he showed emotions. He is very protective of others very gentle human being. This is sad as this man probably is just like my nephew so sad.

[@stefanklemic4682]

It really terrifies me that they can ruin your life just because they made up their minds beforehand or even cause they just do 't like you... Anyone could end up in a situation like this and that is terrifying.

[@hylozoic]

Steve buscemi could play this guy in a movie.

[@emor6100]

That animal blundetto I can't even say his name

[@thewonsler]

First thought immediately after seeing the thumbnail

[@stewartvolk5156]

The Big Lebowski

[@somenothing7914]

come on dude

[@somenothing7914]

call the texas governor's office & ask them to review his case

[@FatLittleBirdtheThird]

I appreciate you being honest confronting something that you were part of that put him there. I hope his situation is resolved in his favor before it’s too late. I have always been against the death penalty and for the reason you said. We are fallible by nature and sometimes get it wrong.

[@parinuser]

I have heard of him through the innocence project. An awful mistake, but the prosecutors themselves, with the exception of the lead detective, still push against an innocent man being freed.

[@christopheralex6471]

Yea I would absolutely not forgive someone who was complicit in incarcerating me and then executing me for something I did not do.

[@writerconsidered]

That's understandable but the reason people forgive is for their own peace of mind. It isn't about the person being forgiven. Its a mental health coping mechanism.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

Notice that Robert Roberson told Wharton (someone for whom I have no respect after seeing this video) that he struggles with words when surprised. Then Wharton surprises him with "what do you wanna say to me?" It's an ambush question and it got the predictable answer, the answer Wharton hoped for and expected. Wharton got to walk away with his feelgoods and Mr. Roberson didn't really get a chance to adequately express himself. If Wharton had written Mr. Roberson a letter to give him the time, space and distance to privately consider how to answer the same question, would Mr. Roberson have given a different answer? Maybe so and maybe no. Maybe he would have given the same answer but added on to it. Maybe he would have made an inconvenient request--for instance, instead of thoughts and prayers, perhaps Mr. Roberson would like Wharton to set up a scholarship for a med student in Nickie Roberson's memory. Or to set up a memorial fund for research into a particular area of pediatric health in Nickie Roberson's name. Nah, better to pose the question as an ambush to maximise the chances of getting the feelgood answer Wharton was clearly pushing for.

[@brt5273]

​@writerconsidered Why should Robert Roberson NEED to forgive Wharton for his peace of mind??? It should have been Wharton ASKING forgiveness rather than justifying himself and virtue signaling about his "prayers". WTF is the content of his prayers? If the god he's praying to has any power to alleviate the situation then it should have been done to keep Roberson from being wrongly convicted in the first place. This whole display is disgusting.

[@writerconsidered]

@@brt5273 I never said need. He choose to. Anger rage and resentment while completely justified in the end hurts the bearer of those feelings. By forgiving it helps that person. In the 90s a great movie was made that can highlight it better. I recommend you go watch the crossing guard with Jack Nicholson.

[@StankyTheKlown]

@@brt5273 he doesn’t need to. But it helps. Like being as reactionary as your comment implies you are likely upset often about things you only find on the internet. Do you enjoy being upset that this person chose to forgive? I think most people would rather be content than angry or upset, you choosing the opposite is weird. That’s what forgiveness is about. Also, if you must be vindictive, forgiving the person makes them feel even worse about what they did to you.

[@michaelcharlesthearchangel]

Texas and Utah, the reddest states in America, are the worst states to live when it comes to the corporatized law & penal system that aims to make money off of incarcerations whether guilty or innocent. The innocent man is most vulnerable in Texas and Utah.

[@JuMiMi86]

Add Florida too

[@andrewmiller6780]

Now there are probably some that aren’t deserving to be there as this case but there are some truly evil people on death row has nothing to do with red or blue state this was a mistake obviously but most of the people on death row clearly did some evil things.

[@Valentina.Montano]

Not the worst, they have a FEW terrible cases but with the levels of crime, homelessness and the lack of housing, Democratic States are definitely bad to almost the WHOLE POPULATION.

[@Fat12219]

Huntsville 😮

[@jenniferporter7355]

My son has autism and doesn't show emotions especially not in front of others he may break down behind closed doors but won't let others see it

[@autism_momma_LosAngeles]

Imagine the officer that put you in prison is the one sounding the alarm and youre STILL stuck on Death Row?

[@curiouser-and-curiouser]

Police don't put people in prison. Judges & juries do.

[@earthstewardude]

@@curiouser-and-curiouser Semantics Sally?

[@surpriseimblack]

​@@curiouser-and-curiouser That's false. It's the PROSECUTORS that you WORSHIP...

[@DylanDaneTarzan]

​@@curiouser-and-curiouseryou're absolutely incompatible with Logical Knowledge.

[@sarahhughes5222]

Sign a petition, make one phone call and SAVE AN INNOCENT MAN!

[@CoryTemplar]

If this is in Texas...he's already dead. They don't overturn anything.

[@parinuser]

@@CoryTemplarluckily he was granted a stay. i hope that the stay will stay and the sentence is overturned but as you explained, i have my doubts.

[@marciawhite7448]

I will keep you in prayer, both of you. God bless.

[@catalinacurio]

The guilt must weigh heavy, such a sad case.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

Yeah, so heavy that Wharton goes to the one person who needs comfort the most to feel better. Perhaps you didn't notice that the video was 98% about Brian Wharton, whose life will go on and 2% about Robert Roberson who is going to be murdered in October? Wharton made that visit to make Wharton feel better. Wharton did not ask once if there were anything he could do for Mr. Roberson to help or if Mr. Roberson would like him to do anything. Like--perhaps Mr. Roberson would appreciate a memorial organisation set up in his daughter's name so that she never be forgotten? Fund a scholarship for a med student or for a specific area of pediatric medical research in Mr. Roberson's daughter's name? As we've all seen, thoughts and prayers are so easy to offer but actual, tangible assistance that costs the well wisher personally, well, um, let's just not go there. Thoughts and prayers are about as far as they wanna go.

[@AP-pm9qy]

I’m hoping that perhaps NYT edited that out of the documentary.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@AP-pm9qy Why would they do that? A sincere offer to make tangible, expensive emends would make Wharton look actually remorseful instead of egotistical,

[@AP-pm9qy]

@@GrainneDhub-ll6vw There are a myriad of reasons why NYT could have done that. Maybe Wharton is not trying to garner sympathy from the audience and would rather take speak privately to Robertson about it. There are probably a lot of details and complexities that may not be allowed to be published for legal reasons. Wharton coming across as egotistical is a small price to pay compared to what Robertson is going through. On top of this Wharton isn't the only person responsible for why this man is on death row. It looks like NYT just wanted to skim the surface and rather than focus on the details bring awareness to this issue as a whole. The issue of someone regretting putting someone on death row and the difficulties in trying to undo that is a "fresh take". And I hate to dehumanise someone's story but this is how journalists operate. It seems legally Wharton's hands are tied. The judicial system is broken and no amount of gifts from the outside world can change that. I've noticed that NYT docs are very brief and just give you an overarching picture that makes you wonder how many issues like this are happening around the country. Netflix on the other hand has a completely different style and would have shred this case to pieces and every single person that has every laid eyes on this case would have been investigated. Again, I don't know the full story - you could be right about Wharton but the irony of the message being about not judging someone based on a small snapshot of what you see but don't fully know about a person doesn't just apply when it comes to criminal investigations.

[@somenothing7914]

he's not gone yet!?!??!?!?

[@jaybestnz]

I think that a lot of people think a person is a particular way, assume an intent or that a person is thinking, or having specific intent. It is so difficult to know how people are inside. A person could also be in shock or from a violent home and behave quietly during emergencies.

[@comoane]

Thank you for bringing this to the world’s attention. It’s so rare to admit your mistakes . This is deeply tragic and very moving.

[@ajjoshi]

Immense respect for this officer for coming forward, setting aside his pride, and taking responsibility for the mistakes that occurred throughout this process, ultimately costing this man his life.

[@OceanBlue-o3t]

The system is so corrupt! From the investigators, TheDA, The Judge, and the attorneys!

[@silsanchez853]

I don’t understand is why people that shouldn’t live are living free, but people who are innocent get killed.

[@loriarmstrong1908]

My heart is heavy for this poor man. Never even got to grieve his daughter.

[@hellosunshine3304]

Charging someone for having no emotion since they have autism. That is cruel. He lost his little girl who was already very sick.

[@Enthusiast1993]

This world…. Never been shaking my head for so long. I don’t know what to say I just wish your all the best for the future, Robert. I hope justice will be served in time! I’m with you in my thoughts

[@BolivarGaitan]

This is a huge mistake. This guy should NOT be executed and instead he should be released immediately.

[@marilynbyrne9958]

Totally agree. No death penalty in Australia. 😢

[@00___49]

this is heartbreaking and shocking shame on the justice system

[@Lut-m7u]

When you are accused of something you did not do, you lose all of your hope towards humanity, world and life...lt is almost impossible to overcome.

[@markcarroll6144]

Ah yes, more USA legal system exceptionalism. Hey Governor Abbott, tell me, how do you sleep at night?

[@mikebasil4832]

I'm on the autism spectrum (Asperger's) and so this is the most heartbreaking death penalty case that I've been seen.

[@grahamimal8336]

Sounds like you don’t deserve forgiveness but that gracious man allowed you it for your sake not his. The Death penalty should be abolished.

[@maargenbx1454]

Not everyone deserves forgiveness, but admitting a mistake, being sincerely sorry, apologizing, and most important - doing everything possible to mitigate the wrong (some wrongs, like this one, can’t be righted) are the first steps. After that it’s up to the person harmed to decide whether forgiveness is deserved or earned.

[@msoda8516]

This is why the death penalty is wrong

[@MichaelMcgee-nh9qt]

There’ll be mistakes doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

[@msoda8516]

@@MichaelMcgee-nh9qt I don’t believe the government should be in the business of vengeance

[@formerlyfromthefuton8171]

The fact that people like you make a judgment based on a sub-six minute NYT propaganda piece proves that most people shouldn't be on a jury.

[@franciscody9622]

Not for drug dealers

[@tomok3733]

I see a lot of comments disagreeing with this viewpoint. This is due to them thinking that prison is a *revenge*, while it's supposed to be *rehabilitation*. Revenge kills people for their wrongdoing, rehabilitation helps people understand what they did wrong and helps them avoid doing such mistakes again.

[@Clubber_Lang_]

It's a sad situation and I hope justice prevails

[@happyheidi747]

My daughter has autism and she can't show emotions 😢 I hope and 🙏 that this man is set free ❤❤

[@mr.d280]

The thing is though, the child had physical injuries to substantiate the abuse. Autism is a disorder commonly associated with poor impulse control and violent outbursts.

[@parinuser]

… she had undiagnosed pneumonia which spiraled out of control which can cause those symptoms. she also was prescribed medication that the FDC warns against prescribing to children

[@curtisshawkassociation5276]

This is a travesty. How does Glen R Semento, a convicted muderer, get released from TX death row to leave to go to Florida to live with his brother, Judge Lawrence J Semento? And yet innocent people are still executed ? How?

[@thomaskennedy1617]

Steve Buscemi should play him in a movie.

[@emmashuffle6457]

On the innocence project website there is a place you can petition this execution as well as contact the Governors office to request atleast a delay in his execution date till the new evidence is reviewed. Granted he has now used his last appeal which was denied but a lot of this feels really wrong. And hopefully if they get enough push back from the public they will do something about it. Shaken baby syndrome was wrongly accused ALOT in the 80s to early 2000s which has now been shown without doubt being misdiagnosed in those cases. And if people who helped imprison him are saying this is wrong and they made a mistake then something needs to be done.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

Brian Wharton continues to be all about... *Brian Wharton.* He finds out that Robert Roberson has autism spectrum disorder. Mr. Roberson tells him in person, face to face, that in a surprising situation, he struggles to find words to express himself. Wharton, to get some kind of emotional feelgoods for Wharton's own benefit, then jumps Mr. Roberson with the question "what do you wanna say to me?" And gets a pretty predictable answer--that Mr. Roberson forgives him. Wharton walks away feeling a little better. He's been forgiven by the victim he's about to murder. It's sad but it's out of Wharton's hands, thoughts and prayers all around, it's all better now. I notice Wharton didn't write to Mr. Roberson to ask what Mr. Roberson wants to say or what Mr. Roberson thinks of him, to give Mr. Roberson the time, space and distance to give an answer without pressure or coercion. Wharton knows, on some level, that if Mr. Roberson was given some time, space and distance, Mr. Roberson may deliver some truths that will not give Wharton his cheap feelgoods. Can't have that, better do it as an ambush question. Wharton continues to be the same murderous person who managed to orchestrate the likely coming murder of Robert Roberson. I don't know why I'm surprised--psychopaths don't stop psychopathing just because they get religion.

[@brt5273]

EXACTLTY! It's always the same with these people about what THEY are feeling and experiencing because of the situation, and the chance for them to virtue signal to elevate their own character. WTF good are his "prayers"? This guy has been imprisoned all these years waiting to be executed and "prayers" to an either uncarring or non-existant god is the best he can come up with.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@brt5273 Wharton (no courtesy titles from me) doesn't even have the decency to ask Mr. Roberson what he an do to make any sort of amends--keep his commissary account topped up so Mr. Roberson can stay in contact with friends and loved ones? Set up a memorial fund in Nickie Roberson's name, maybe for a med student or to fund research into some area of pediatric medicine? Thoughts and prayers are all very well but let's put some actual, tangible energy and resources into play. Mr. Roberson has lost 20 years of his life and may lose his life itself due to your actions, Brian Wharton: surely that's worth, at a minimum, 50% of your waking time and 50% of your assets to spend in whatever way Mr. Roberson sees fit? Or do you feel kinda bad but not really that bad?

[@Sirzhukov]

Spot on! Had the same vibe from this video. It's not about the victim, but soms sort of twister redemption story for the detective. Feeding his ego hard.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

@@Sirzhukov you and @brt5273 each said it better and more succinctly than I did. Thank you so much.

[@garrettlough3897]

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Roberson this Friday....He is very solid in his faith in Jesus. He meant what he said when he forgave him. I believe he would say it again if given the chance. He is a very kind person and is at peace with whatever the outcome.

[@Theresa247]

Thanks for helping Robert ❤

[@laurieoshea1695]

That video made me cry. He spent 20 years in prison.

[@MUNTARI1]

Free the man. He lost his baby and has suffered enough

[@scottpelhamsr9500]

He may very well be innocent. I don't know enough about this, but that doesn't mean everyone on death row is innocent and I absolutely believe in the death penalty. Humans are not perfect for sure, but why just abolish the death penalty? Abolish everything. The whole legal system. You think innocent people like being in jail even if they're not scheduled for execution? And don't give me any F'KN B.S. about god or the death penalty being unconstitutional. Where was god for the victims? Who better to judge then the families? What about the constitutional rights of the victims? There is no god.

[@dougthomson5544]

The death penalty makes the state as guilty as the condemned. There is nothing as pre-meditated as the murder of any individual by the state. It is tragic and demeans the rule of law.

[@christopherlaw9184]

🙏🏼 God, please help Robert and let the truth be known.

[@writerconsidered]

Too many unanswered questions. Did he have a public defender? What was his defense? Why didn't his lawyer bring up his autism? And even with a questionable shaken baby symptom why did he get the death penalty? Its not premeditated. Were there any prior abuse claims? What's amazing is how many evil serial killers out there that never get the death penalty but this guy does? Make that make sense. Where's the innocence project on this? Where in the appeals process is this?

[@freaksy2073]

Autism was officially recognised in 1980 not sure when this case was

[@guymerritt4860]

Part of the craziness - the horror - of the death penalty (which should not exist, anyway) is the indiscriminite way in which it's applied.

[@Bubble3320_]

He really shouldn't be executed, this is really messed up

[@iTube2772]

Heart-breaking story, thanks a lot for covering it, and that too so well.

[@abrakedavra9605]

Even if he'd had no empathy whatsoever that wouldn't make him automatically guilty of murder... I understand being somewhat suspicious but convicting someone on that basis alone is just mental

[@natalia.a020]

@@abrakedavra9605 yeah and some autistic people might not show emotion on the surface but that doesn't mean they don't have them deep down

[@oldpcgamers7450]

A message to NYT. I almost didn't watch this video because of your track record of political hyperbole and partisan politics and lying. Do you see the damage you have done? I did watch the video and am glad did. Think about this for the future.

[@Sms8668]

They always wait until the last hour while he suffered for decades.

[@CoryTemplar]

I didn't realize Steve Buscemi was in prison...

[@guymerritt4860]

There's simply no argument one can make for allowing the death penalty to exist in a sane, moral society. We're human and we make mistakes. Sometime a person is clearly guilty, sometimes by their own admission. How is something like life in prison not enough? As long as the death penalty exists innocent people will suffer and die - this is not disputable. What a horrible situation.

[@ellypeach]

Plese tell me and the world tht this poor sweet man was approved for his appeal????

[@mw12349]

Robert Roberson loses one of his final appeals to stop Texas execution The state’s highest criminal court’s refusal to stay the Oct. 17 execution leaves the Palestine man with few options amid widespread support for clemency.

[@ellypeach]

@@mw12349 thank you for the time to update me. I wish thre was something we as humans could do to assist this man. I dont understand how we elect these people into office to do our bidding. When needed it works for everone, but when WE THE PEOPLE want change somehow were ignored. God Bless that poor sweet man!

[@mw12349]

@@ellypeach I know it's so wrong 😭

[@mw12349]

@@ellypeach just heard they put a last minute stay on his execution !! wow

[@ellypeach]

@@mw12349 REALLY OMG!!!! this has brought tears to my eyes!! I truly hope they give this poor man a pardon and reimburse him financially for all this darn hardship my gosh I just want to meet the Man and give him a hug thank you so much for keeping me informed this is made my day well it's probably made his day a lot better right!! Thanks again, keep me informed if you hear of anything else!

[@Bmhh24781]

This is so heartbreaking. God bless and save Robert. And this wonderful pastor.

[@MoeSays]

If Brian had read The Stranger by Albert Camus, he might’ve approached this case differently

[@vikkiledgard8483]

That's a new one on me. I'll have to give it a look, thanks ♥️

[@micka_5]

That's just evil to take someone's life base on non-existent evidence.

[@Rumblealsojennings2929]

So beautiful just what comes out of mishaps and unjustly things, him saying Forgivness and the other accepting it is the most beautiful feeling one could feel

[@vikkiledgard8483]

Talk about cruel and unusual punishment. Tragic. Abominable.

[@Sitka_Blacktail_Hunter]

October 17th, 2024: HUNTSVILLE - The Texas Supreme Court halted the scheduled execution of Robert Roberson late Thursday night, hours before he was poised to become the first person in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction linked to shaken baby syndrome. Roberson's lawyers and state lawmakers filed a last-second civil appeal with the Texas Supreme Court late Thursday night for a stay of execution, which it granted. "The vast team fighting for Robert Roberson--people all across Texas, the country, and the world--are elated tonight that a contingent of brave, bipartisan Texas lawmakers chose to dig deep into the facts of Robert's case that no court had yet considered and recognized that his life was worth fighting for," said Gretchen Sween, one of Roberson's lawyers. "He lives to fight another day and hopes that his experience can help improve the integrity of our criminal legal system

[@mark_lhr3]

This is a truly despicable injustice. Purely evil on the part of the courts unwillingness to grant a new trial.

[@Micstewful]

I cannot stop crying. This has broken my heart! I remember this case, and I hadn't even thought about it in 20 years. What a travesty! The only redeeming thing that is going to come of this is that he will walk straight into the arms of Our Father, Our Savior, and his daughter. Everything else is too painful to even think about. I will be losing sleep over this.... 😔

[@Sara-ti7he]

Just signed the petition to stop the execution. I'm so shocked and heart broken.

[@mildlydispleased3221]

Nothing will come of this, there have been many cases like this before. No civilised country executes its own people. Why do you Americans do it?

[@wandaealey]

Am praying if he didn’t do it that god will be with him and he will be set free. Am praying for you 🙏🙏🙏

[@Opinionakadatruth]

Where was the mother? Was she just raised by Robert?

[@toddjoubert1074]

We have so many people in prison that are innocent but that's our Justice System for ya.

[@David-i3k6u]

Cops just need convictions. They dont carr.

[@truth-alwayswins]

Terribly sad. Where was the mother? And shaken baby syndrome IS real but…typically with an infant not a toddler.

[@velvetalex4766]

No, shaken baby syndrome is not as prevalent as they say.

[@parinuser]

@@velvetalex4766My mom who has a master’s degree in the medical field said that SBS is sort of real, but VERY rarely credible.

[@davidshanlay]

It happens only in the land of the free and home of the brave. So many innocent people locked up or executed under the name of justice. The same nation accused others with human rights violation and injustice.

[@brucewilson1958]

I don't get touched often by anything on KZbin. But, this story got to me down deep. Two good men making peace. I pray he gets released somehow.

[@SamHollidayV]

Well. Bawling my eyes out right now.

[@drewfoster1493]

This is extremely heart breaking. I feel so terrible for his loss.

[@GD-xc4wg]

So why now they cant backup the pain and give him money to live the rest of his life!??

[@SiFiMadness]

How does the news kno that he didt do the crime before the court does, stop this kind of news reporting

[@watsonhall3002]

This is to bad. Unfortunately when Police get tunnel vision like this a man has to suffer...

[@TheDudeAbidesYo]

It is amazing that he is able to offer forgiveness. This would be hard if not impossible for me. Wow.

[@paitesmith9133]

The execution was stayed yesterday so he was not put to death.

[@mustardseed2120]

This is heart wrenching ❤ Dear Lord Jesus ....

[@doracotterell2863]

It is now Nov 1st-2024. Has this execution moved forward or it is being reinvestigated? In Canada, we abolished the death penalty. I am glad for it. May this man have the opportunity to find ‘Justice’ for both himself and his little daughter who passed away. ✨🕊️✨

[@DarkRealmTales]

How many people have been put away for crimes that they didn't commit.?

[@BlueCanaryTX]

I worked in the ER of PRMC, Where he brought his daughter. It was before I started there, but I worked with many of the nurses and doctors that worked to stabilize that poor baby before she was flown out. None of them have any doubts as to his guilt.

[@velvetalex4766]

That’s a ridiculous claim. The 80s and 90s were rife with false claims of shaken baby syndrome.

[@anonymous-vb2hj]

Robbing another's person life wrongly happens. The system is fkd and you will never be vindicated.