Unshaken Truth

Examining Justice in the Robert Roberson Case - Interview with Attorney Gretchen Sween Part 1

Join hosts Josh Burns and Andrew Roark of Unshaken Truth in an in-depth analysis with Robert Roberson's attorney Gretchen Sween. Discover the complexities of post-conviction legal processes through the compelling story of Robert Roberson, wrongfully convicted based on shaken baby syndrome. Attorney Sween shares insights into the history of the case , evolving medical science, and the fight for justice. Main Topics Covered: • Latest status conference and legal updates on Robert Roberson's case • How evolving medical science challenges shaken baby syndrome convictions • New evidence and scientific understanding in wrongful convictions • Death penalty appeals process in Texas • Legal advocacy and the human element in post-conviction relief Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Gretchen Sween's background 01:24 - Robert Roberson case overview and recent proceedings 01:33 - Status conference significance and legal deadlines 03:37 - Emotional impact on advocates 04:48 - Wrongful convictions and advocacy 05:47 - "Pain into purpose" for exonerees 06:36 - Humanizing defendants 07:51 - Legal options and case scenarios 08:54 - Medical evidence overturning shaken baby syndrome myths 10:28 - Judge's evidence review process 11:43 - Death vs. non-death cases in scientific findings 12:26 - Potential outcomes and appeals 13:42 - Equitable evidence consideration 15:08 - Robert's custody history as character evidence 16:04 - Re-examining trial narratives 17:13 - Flawed courtroom focus on injuries 20:10 - Medical case studies questioning shaken baby syndrome 23:46 - Forensic expert misconduct 24:53 - Legal strategy failures in death penalty cases 26:26 - Post-conviction appeals overview 30:20 - Federal habeas petition challenges 36:04 - Legal filing processes and court review 40:10 - Evolving medical testimony on infant injuries 44:15 - Medical evidence and witness credibility 50:12 - Medical examiner's flawed interpretations 52:12 - False witness testimony impact 54:11 - Next steps in Robert's legal journey   Resources: https://innocenceproject.org/shaken-baby-syndrome [https://innocenceproject.org/shaken-baby-syndrome] https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/browse.aspx [https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/browse.aspx] https://deathpenaltyinfo.org [https://deathpenaltyinfo.org] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3338358 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3338358] (Peer-reviewed: SBS Scientific Evidence) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5829857 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5829857] (Biomechanical Analysis Disproving SBS) https://www.texasdefender.org [https://www.texasdefender.org] Support Our Mission: Your donations make this work possible. Donate today: www.unshakentruth.com/donate [http://www.unshakentruth.com/donate**] Part Two continues next week—exploring the ongoing fight for justice in wrongful conviction cases. www.unshakentruth.com [http://www.unshakentruth.com] Photo Credits: Photos of Robert Roberson by Iiana Panich-Linsman for The Innocence Project. Music Credits: 3R9SUSVPNUVOBHT0 BKOV2E3QHWFBBACS

The Unshaken Truth About Seeking True Justice with Texas State Representative Brian Harrison

When a lead detective recants and declares no crime occurred, how does an innocent man still face execution? Join us for a gripping conversation with Texas State Representative Brian Harrison as he reveals the shocking truth behind the Robert Roberson case—a man on death row for a crime that medical science now says never happened. This episode exposes critical failures in our justice system: outdated medical theories, suppressed evidence, and a system resistant to truth. From an unprecedented legislative subpoena to a historic showdown between branches of government, discover how one lawmaker's fight became a battle for the soul of American justice. What You'll Discover: • The Case That Should Never Have Been - How Robert Roberson was convicted based on "shaken baby syndrome," a diagnosis now disputed by modern medical science • A Detective's Conscience - Why the lead detective now believes no crime occurred and the jury never heard evidence of Roberson's innocence • When Courts Refuse Truth - The disturbing resistance to new exculpatory evidence despite Texas's own "junk science law" • Medical Misinformation with Deadly Consequences - The evolution and scientific debunking of shaken baby syndrome theory, and how flawed forensics have led to wrongful executions • Democracy vs. Death Row - The unprecedented bipartisan legislative effort to subpoena Roberson, triggering a constitutional crisis between the Texas Legislature and courts • Systemic Failures Exposed - How prosecutors and courts have politicized the case while ignoring forensic inaccuracies and alternative medical explanations • The Path Forward - Essential reforms needed to prevent future injustices and protect constitutional rights Episode Timeline: 01:18 - Rep. Harrison's awakening to the Roberson injustice 02:15 - Bombshell: The lead detective's reversal and evidence of innocence 03:16 - Justice denied: How the jury was misled 04:00 - Due process on trial 05:04 - The shaken baby syndrome myth: Legal theory vs. medical reality 06:54 - Scientific advancement exposes deadly errors 08:23 - When the system protects itself instead of truth 09:28 - The cost of ignoring exculpatory science 12:54 - Origins of a flawed diagnosis: The shaken baby syndrome saga 15:42 - Nikki Curtis's case: What really caused her death? 17:21 - When medical evidence contradicts convictions 19:17 - Breaking precedent: A bipartisan legislative intervention 22:16 - Constitutional showdown: Legislature vs. Courts 25:45 - Court rulings that threaten justice itself 30:22 - How politics corrupted the pursuit of truth 34:26 - Exposing official disinformation about the case 40:52 - Forensic failures with fatal consequences 43:01 - A lawmaker's moral reckoning with injustice 46:21 - Reforming the system: Safeguarding liberty and preventing wrongful executions Texas House of Representatives Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Hearings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOIqQWsVE-0&t=20s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOIqQWsVE-0&t=20s]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XObLgUIZq0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XObLgUIZq0]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJNw_3auew [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJNw_3auew]  Photo Credits: Photos of Robert Roberson by Iiana Panich-Linsman for The Innocence Project Family of Robert Roberson Dallas Morning News D Magazine Wall Street Journal Rep. John Bucy Music Credits: YFK6ONL2PPAQLWFK N4VN8XGWVETJ5ULS 4U9OAK6IIAOGIVYJ

Unshaken Truth with Exoneree Audrey Edmunds

What happens when flawed science destroys an innocent life? In this powerful episode, Audrey Edmunds opens up about her 11-year nightmare—wrongfully convicted of child abuse based on discredited Shaken Baby Syndrome testimony. From the shock of accusation to the crushing weight of prison life separated from her family, Audrey shares the raw reality of fighting for justice when the system fails. Her story of exoneration is both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing the devastating human cost of junk science in courtrooms and the urgent need for reform. This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about scientific evidence in criminal trials. * How outdated medical theories like Shaken Baby Syndrome continue to send innocent people to prison * The psychological and emotional toll of maintaining innocence while serving time * What it takes to survive and preserve your identity in a hostile prison environment * The ripple effects of wrongful conviction on families and children * Why scientific integrity in courtrooms isn't just a legal issue—it's a human rights issue * Practical ways to support wrongful conviction reform and prevent future injustices * The reentry challenges exonerees face after years of wrongful imprisonment KEY TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 - Introduction: Setting the Stage * 03:43 - The Day Everything Changed: The Accusation * 09:56 - Inside the System: Daily Life Behind Bars * 10:59 - A Mother's Agony: Separation from Family * 14:29 - Survival Strategy: Maintaining Identity in Prison * 17:00 - The Burden of Innocence: When Truth Isn't Enough * 19:07 - Finding Strength: Faith and Resilience in the Darkest Times * 21:04 - The Legal Battle: Years of Fighting and Waiting * 23:34 - Freedom at Last: The Moment of Exoneration * 25:11 - Starting Over: Rebuilding Life After 11 Years * 26:50 - Turning Pain into Purpose: Advocacy Work * 28:24 - The Real Cost: Understanding the Human Impact * 30:08 - The Power of Story: Creating Systemic Change * 33:09 - Moving Forward with Hope TAKE ACTION 1. Educate Yourself - Learn about the science behind Shaken Baby Syndrome and other contested forensic methods 2. Support Reform - Connect with organizations like the Innocence Project fighting wrongful convictions 3. Spread Awareness - Share this episode with anyone in law, medicine, childcare, or criminal justice 4. Advocate Locally - Push for scientific review standards in your state's criminal proceedings 5. Listen to Stories - Wrongful conviction survivors need their voices amplified KEYWORDS Wrongful Conviction | Shaken Baby Syndrome | Junk Science | Justice Reform | Exoneration | Legal System | Innocence Project | Child Abuse Cases | Forensic Science | Criminal Justice Reform | Prison Life | Reentry | Advocacy www.unshakentruth.com [http://www.unshakentruth.com] Reach out at unshakentruth76@gmail.com [unshakentruth76@gmail.com] Photo Credits: Robert Roberson photos by Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Innocence Project Wisconsin Innocence Project Audrey Edmunds| Family of Robert Roberson | Dallas Morning News | D Magazine | Wall Street Journal | Rep. John Bucy Music Credits: PMDZEWAAP63R6Z6W AMQ9WMJW4HETE166

The Unshaken Truth About the Death Penalty with Nan Tolson

Join Unshaken Truth for a powerful conversation with Nan Tolson, director of Texas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. In this episode, we examine why capital punishment conflicts with conservative principles and explore the urgent case of Robert Roberson—a man on death row whose conviction rests on debunked science. [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Through personal stories, scientific evidence, and bipartisan advocacy, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider their stance on the death penalty and understand the systemic failures that put innocent lives at risk. [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] The Robert Roberson case: how flawed forensics and rushed judgments threaten justice-Why scientific integrity and transparency are essential in capital cases--Bipartisan efforts exposing fatal flaws in the death penalty system-Conservative arguments for ending capital punishment: fiscal responsibility, pro-life values, and limited government-Practical advocacy steps: engaging lawmakers, educating communities, and sharing stories [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Texas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty: [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Website: [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae]www.tcadp.org/TexasCCATDP [http://www.tcadp.org/TexasCCATDP] X/Twitter: @texasccatdp [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Facebook: [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae]fb.com/TexasCCATDP [http://fb.com/TexasCCATDP] Instagram: @texasccatdp [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] YouTube: @TexasCCATDP [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Email: [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae]texasccatdp@gmail.com [texasccatdp@gmail.com] Connect with Unshaken Truth: [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] unshakentruth76@gmail.com [unshakentruth76@gmail.com] https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecaewww.unshakentruth.com [http://www.unshakentruth.com] Music Credits: UKY9VUNEJUCDUZPV | 3R7LYKCZ91SY4BGZ | EWCHMZMJXDXLKUT4 [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae] Photo Credits: Robert Roberson photos by Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Innocence Project | Family of Robert Roberson | Dallas Morning News | D Magazine | Wall Street Journal | Rep. John Bucy [https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/c026a8b5fcd7a655ecae]

The Fight for Robert Roberson with Texas State Representative Joe Moody

In this powerful episode, hosts Josh Burns and Andrew Roark—both exonerees who were wrongfully convicted based on flawed shaken baby syndrome evidence—sit down with Texas State Representative Joe Moody to discuss the urgent case of Robert Roberson, a man on death row whose conviction rests on the same discredited science that nearly cost them their lives. Representative Moody takes listeners inside the dramatic effort to save Robert's life, including the unprecedented decision to issue a legislative subpoena to halt his execution. He reveals the shocking limitations of Texas's 2013 Junk Science Law, explains why it failed Robert despite being designed for cases exactly like his, and discusses the bipartisan coalition fighting to prevent an irreversible injustice. This conversation goes beyond one case to examine systemic failures in our criminal justice system: how outdated science becomes locked into convictions, why legal standards haven't kept pace with medical knowledge, and what reforms are desperately needed. Most importantly, it shows the human cost of these failures and the faith that sustains those fighting for truth. Whether you're passionate about criminal justice reform, concerned about wrongful convictions, or simply believe in evidence-based justice, this episode offers both sobering reality and actionable hope. - Robert Roberson's Case: The imminent execution of a potentially innocent man and striking parallels to other wrongful convictions - The Junk Science Crisis: How discredited medical theories continue to keep innocent people behind bars - Texas's Junk Science Law: The 2013 legislation, its promise, and why it's failing those it was meant to protect - Unprecedented Legislative Action: The controversial subpoena strategy and the legal risks Representative Moody and his colleagues took - Bipartisan Justice: How wrongful conviction cases unite lawmakers across the political spectrum - Face-to-Face with Death Row: Representative Moody's personal meeting with Robert Robertson and what it revealed - Systemic Reform Needs: From scientific standards to legal representation—what must change - Medical Evidence Matters: The critical role of differential diagnosis in distinguishing abuse from medical conditions - Take Action: Concrete ways listeners can advocate for reform and support those wrongfully convicted (http://www.unshakentruth.com [http://www.unshakentruth.com])  unshakentruth76@gmail.com [unshakentruth76@gmail.com] This episode represents more than a discussion about one case—it's a call to action. When scientific evidence evolves, our justice system must evolve with it. Robert Roberson's case demonstrates what happens when it doesn't: an innocent person faces execution while the evidence that could save him is locked out by procedural barriers. Josh and Andrew know this reality intimately. They lived it. Their freedom came only after years of fighting against the same flawed science that convicted Robert. Now, they're using their platform to ensure others don't suffer the same fate. Representative Moody's courage in taking unprecedented legislative action despite significant personal and political risk shows that change is possible when people of conscience refuse to look away. His bipartisan approach proves that justice shouldn't be a partisan issue. Music credits: UKY9VUNEJUCDUZPV 3R7LYKCZ91SY4BGZ Photo credits: Photos of Robert Roberson by Iiana Panich-Linsman for The Innocence Project Family of Robert Roberson Dallas Morning News D Magazine Wall Street Journal Rep. John Bucy