Mistaken Conviction: A Death Row Story

The New York Times

In this poignant tale, a former detective reflects on the devastating mistake he made two decades ago. As the chief detective in Palestine, Texas, he was instrumental in convicting Robert Robertson for the murder of his daughter Nikki through shaken baby syndrome. Over the years, the former detective has left the police force and entered the ministry, but his guilt over the case has never faded. With new revelations about Robert's autism and Nikki's medical issues, the former detective now believes that Robert was wrongfully convicted. This realization leads to a profound call for the abolition of the death penalty, highlighting human fallibility and the need for a fairer justice system.

Highlights

• Former detective recounts a 20-year-old case involving Robert Robertson.
• Robert was convicted for the death of his daughter Nikki under shaken baby syndrome.
• Nikki was a sick child with underlying medical issues.
• Detective left police work and went into the ministry, carrying guilt.
• Robert’s autism was not considered during the trial, affecting his emotional response.
• Shaken baby syndrome has been discredited by many in the medical community.
• The detective believes there is unassailable doubt about Robert’s guilt.
• Robert expresses forgiveness and hope for rectifying the situation.
• Detective calls for the abolition of the death penalty in the US.
• Human fallibility makes the death penalty system fundamentally flawed.