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Introducing: The Last Appeal

September 29, 2025 /

This episode discusses the case of Robert Roberson, who is scheduled for execution on October 16th in Texas. Key topics include the discredited shaken baby diagnosis that led to his conviction, the debate over his innocence, and the urgency of his situation.

Robert Roberson reflects on the tragic loss of his daughter, Nikki, and expresses his fear of being executed for a crime he did not commit. He emphasizes the emotional weight of his impending execution and the implications of a wrongful death sentence.

The episode features Lester Holt, who investigates the circumstances surrounding Roberson's case, highlighting the growing calls for justice and the potential consequences of executing an innocent man.

Listeners are prompted to consider the flaws in the justice system and the urgency of the situation as the execution date approaches. The episode raises critical questions about guilt, innocence, and the finality of capital punishment.

As the countdown to the execution begins, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in capital cases and the need for thorough examination of evidence.

TLDR

Robert Roberson faces execution for a crime he claims he didn't commit, raising questions about his innocence and the justice system.

Episode

1:30
00:00:00
In Texas, the countdown has begun. I'm not ready because I don't think I should be executed when I'm innocent.
00:00:11
In less than two weeks, October 16th, Robert Roberson is scheduled to die. Mr. Roberson took the life of his almost three-year-old daughter.
00:00:21
Her name was Nikki. She looked at me like, Daddy, what are you doing? Some say Robert's execution is overdue.
00:00:28
This is his third execution day. It's time. It's no more waiting. But a growing chorus insists Robert is innocent.
00:00:37
The shaken baby diagnosis used to convict him had been entirely discredited. We didn't hear Robert. We chose to disbelieve him.
00:00:47
I'm on the ground in Texas searching for the truth. Have you done interviews on this topic?
00:00:53
No, this is the very first. Robert has only days left to live. When the clock hits zero, it's over.
00:01:01
And if the system gets it wrong, there's no going back. Is the state about to put an innocent man to death?
00:01:08
I am terrified that that is what we are racing towards. I'm Lester Holt, and this is The Last Appeal, a podcast from Dateline.
00:01:17
Follow now wherever you get your podcasts and begin listening on Monday, October 6th.
00:01:22
For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 90
    Most shocking
  • 85
    Most heartbreaking
  • 85
    Biggest twist
  • 80
    Most dramatic

Episode Highlights

  • Countdown to Execution
    Robert Roberson's execution is imminent, raising questions about his innocence.
    “In less than two weeks, October 16th, Robert Roberson is scheduled to die.”
    @ 00m 11s
    September 29, 2025
  • Discredited Diagnosis
    The evidence that convicted Robert is now questioned and discredited.
    “The shaken baby diagnosis used to convict him had been entirely discredited.”
    @ 00m 37s
    September 29, 2025
  • A Race Against Time
    With only days left, the urgency to uncover the truth intensifies.
    “Robert has only days left to live.”
    @ 00m 54s
    September 29, 2025

Episode Quotes

  • I'm not ready because I don't think I should be executed when I'm innocent.
    Introducing: The Last Appeal
  • When the clock hits zero, it's over.
    Introducing: The Last Appeal
  • Is the state about to put an innocent man to death?
    Introducing: The Last Appeal

Key Moments

  • Innocence Claimed00:07
  • Execution Scheduled00:11
  • Nikki's Memory00:21
  • Growing Doubts00:34
  • Searching for Truth00:47
  • Final Moments00:57
  • Terrifying Question01:05
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