Introducing: The Last Appeal
In this series, Lester Holt takes listeners inside the urgent case of Robert Roberson, a Texas father set to be executed on October 16th for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter. Lester is on the ground in Texas, where he examines the evidence against Roberson and talks to the people closest to the case, including the lead detective, who now believes he helped put an innocent man behind bars. Lester’s exclusive interviews reveal critical information the jury never heard. This series will confront listeners with questions about justice and truth, and perhaps the most haunting question of all: Is an innocent man about to be put to death?
Follow now to get the first episode on Monday, October 6. For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or DatelinePremium.com.
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Transcript
In Texas, the countdown has begun.
I'm not ready because I don't think I should be executed when I'm innocent.
In less than two weeks, October 16th, Robert Robertson is scheduled to die.
Mr.
Robertson took the life of his almost three-year-old daughter.
Her name was Nikki.
She looked at me like daddy, what are you doing?
Some say Robert's execution is overdue.
This is his third execution day.
It's time.
It's no more waiting.
But a growing chorus insists Robert is innocent.
The shaken baby diagnosis used to convict him had been entirely discredited.
We didn't hear Robert.
We chose to disbelieve him.
I'm on the ground in Texas searching for the truth.
Have you done interviews on this topic?
No, this is the very first.
Robert has only days left to live.
When the clock hits zero,
it's over.
And if the system gets it wrong, there's no going back.
Is the state about to put an innocent man to death?
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.
Follow now wherever you get your podcasts and begin listening on Monday, October 6th.
For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium.
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