History of Robert Roberson case in Timeline

Robert Leslie Roberson III is an American man sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of his two-year-old daughter. Accused of fatally assaulting and shaking the child, Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 and given the death penalty. He has since lost his appeals. His execution, initially set for October 17, 2024, is now rescheduled for October 16, 2025.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

November 10, 1966: Robert Roberson Born

Robert Leslie Roberson III was born on November 10, 1966, in Wood County, Texas.

October 20, 1999: Birth of Nikki Michelle Curtis

On October 20, 1999, Nikki Michelle Curtis, Robert Roberson's daughter, was born and initially entrusted to her maternal grandparents.

January 31, 2002: Nikki Curtis Hospitalized

On January 31, 2002, Robert Roberson brought his injured two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, to the hospital, claiming she fell from her bed. Despite medical efforts, Nikki was pronounced dead.

February 21, 2003: Roberson Convicted of Capital Murder

On February 21, 2003, Robert Roberson was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death by an Anderson County jury for the death of his daughter.

July 22, 2007: Appeal Dismissed

On July 22, 2007, Robert Roberson's appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals was dismissed, upholding his capital murder conviction.

June 21, 2016: Execution Date Scheduled

Robert Roberson was initially scheduled to be executed on June 21, 2016, after exhausting all his appeals against the death sentence.

January 11, 2023: Court Rejects Intervention

On January 11, 2023, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decided there was insufficient basis to intervene in Robert Roberson's case, maintaining his death row status and conviction.

October 2, 2023: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Appeal

On October 2, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected another appeal from Robert Roberson regarding his conviction and death sentence.

September 11, 2024: Appeal Rejected

On September 11, 2024, Robert Roberson's appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals was rejected, as he sought to overturn his conviction and sentence, citing innocence and undiagnosed autism.

October 8, 2024: New Hearing Granted

On October 8, 2024, Robert Roberson was granted a new hearing of his appeal against the death sentence.

October 11, 2024: Appeal Dismissed

On October 11, 2024, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed Robert Roberson's appeal against his death sentence.

October 15, 2024: Appeal Rejected and Subpoena Approved

On October 15, 2024, Judge Alfonso Charles rejected Robert Roberson's appeal to vacate his death warrant. On the same date, the Texas Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence approved a subpoena to allow Roberson to testify before a Texas House committee regarding his case.

October 16, 2024: Parole Board Rejects Clemency, Execution Delay

On October 16, 2024, the Texas parole board unanimously voted against recommending that Robert Roberson's sentence be commuted or his execution delayed. The only way to prevent the execution was for Abbott to grant a 30-day reprieve.

October 17, 2024: Execution Scheduled

On July 1, 2024, the Anderson County trial court approved a death warrant for Robert Roberson, scheduling his execution for October 17, 2024.

October 21, 2024: Testimony Barred

On October 21, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton barred Robert Roberson from appearing in person to testify before the House committee, citing safety concerns.

November 15, 2024: Texas Supreme Court Ruling

On November 15, 2024, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that state lawmakers had "exceeded their power" when calling on Robert Roberson to testify before a House committee.

December 2, 2024: Judge Recuses Herself

On December 2, 2024, Judge Deborah Oakes Evans, who signed Robert Roberson's death warrant, voluntarily recused herself from the case.

June 17, 2025: Motion for New Execution Date

On June 17, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton lodged a second motion to seek a new execution date for Robert Roberson, after the prosecution of the case was transferred to his office.