Nikki Curtis' brother searches for truth about her 'best friend' death

PALESTINE, Texas (KLTV) – More than 20 years after the death of his little sister, Matthew Bowman began voicing his views on Nikki Curtis' father Robert Roberson.

Curtis died in 2002 and a jury found Roberson guilty of murder in 2003 when he was sentenced to death. For years, Bowman said, they had been waiting through appeals for something to happen that would finally bring them peace: the truth.

“It's not that we believe in the death penalty. It is not because we advocate the death of a human being. We want the truth about Nikki and we feel like he did it,” he said. “When she left my grandparents' house, she kicked and screamed to stay with my grandfather so she wouldn't get brain swelling. Less than eight hours later she’s gone.”

For the last three months of her life, Roberson had custody of Curtis. Her maternal grandparents had custody of her since birth. They also raised Bowman, who was only four years old when Curtis died.

“I remember playing, running through the halls, us,” he said with a laugh, “fighting over roller skates or my toys.” She always wanted to wear my clothes… That was my best friend. We did everything together back then.”

Referring to her autopsy, Bowman does not believe she died of an undiagnosed illness or a reaction to prescription medication. The autopsy determined her cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

Roberson's defense attorney, Gretchen Sween, acknowledged his criminal history but said there was nothing in his record to indicate violent criminal activity.

“There was never a report from anyone that Robert had harmed this child in any way until he had already been arrested and charged using a shaken baby hypothesis,” she said.

It is currently disputed whether Roberson was tried in 2003 on the grounds that it was a controversial baby case. Those who maintain his guilt say it was not a controversial case and therefore “junk science” law cannot be invoked on appeal. Those who maintain his innocence say the outdated and debunked science known as “shaken baby syndrome” is part of Roberson's argument for a new trial.

Bowman is one of three who signed a letter rebuking the House Criminal Justice Committee's actions. The letter was delivered Monday with the support of Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine).

“The system didn't fail them: they all told him he was guilty, they all sent it back, but the legislature failed my sister and ridiculed her name,” Bowman said.

Sween emphasized that both sides of the family are grieving both the little girl and a family member convicted of her murder.

“I'm frustrated when I see the pain they're in and how they feel like Nikki is lost in this story, even though I don't think that's true. “If you talked to Robert, Nikki would never have been far from his heart,” she said.

Roberson's stay of execution could expire in January 2025. Until then he will remain in prison.

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