* Nikki, who shortly before she died had been placed in Roberson’s custody, was chronically sick almost from birth. She suffered bouts of breathing apnea which caused her suddenly to stop breathing and collapse. Shortly before her father rushed her to hospital, she had had diarrhea for five days and had a fever of 104.5F (40.3C).
* Nikki also had severe undiagnosed pneumonia.
* She had been prescribed medications, including an opioid, that are no longer considered safe for children as they can cause fatal breathing problems and oxygen deprivation.
* The sexual assault allegation was unsupported by any evidence, and the nurse who raised it was unqualified to identify it.
* That was a clue as to why medical staff were so quick to suspect Roberson when they encountered him, and why Wharton found his behaviour so singular. Long after his capital trial – too late for the jury to factor it in – Roberson was diagnosed with autism.
> Evans said the syndrome remains a fair medical diagnosis and also notes in the report that SBS was not the sole cause of child's death.
There ought to be a law where lawyers deal with legal interpretations and advice and medical doctors deal with medical interpretation and advice.
In a sane world, she'd be taken off the bench until she completes some remedial legal coursework and several dozen hours of medical talks from this century.
[1] https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/judge-denies-recommending-east-texas-death-row-inmates-appeal-exoneration-new-trial/501-39bfdd8e-b687-4065-9b34-25b60c320e6c
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37632122
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/09/15/texas-shaken-b...