Summary — Dateline Presents: The Last Appeal (preview)

Host: Lester Holt | Producer: Dan Slapian | Program: Dateline NBC

Overview

This transcript is a preview of the Dateline podcast The Last Appeal. Lester Holt visits the Polunsky Unit (Texas Death Row) to examine the case of Robert Robertson, who was convicted in 2003 for the murder of his two‑year‑old daughter, Nikki. With Robertson facing execution (October 16; this would be his third scheduled date), Holt surveys new evidence, interviews people connected to the case, and presents arguments from those who believe Robertson is innocent and deserve a renewed legal review before the execution proceeds.

Key points / main takeaways

• Robert Robertson is on Texas Death Row and scheduled for execution for the 2002 death of his daughter, Nikki. He was convicted in 2003.
• Prosecutors say the evidence against Robertson was overwhelming; some members of Nikki’s family believe his execution is justified.
• A growing group (investigators, advocates, and others) contend Robertson may be innocent and that his case warrants fresh examination and another courtroom/jury review.
• Lester Holt travels to East Texas (Palestine, TX) to investigate, uncover documents and details not presented to the jury, and interview witnesses who first saw Nikki at the hospital.
• Nurse Kelly Garganis (ER nurse at the Palestine hospital) recounts the traumatic January 31, 2002 morning when a woman in a wheelchair arrived with a limp/unresponsive toddler on her lap—memories that still affect her years later.
• The preview establishes urgency: there is limited time to revisit the case before the execution; the host expresses fear that an innocent man could be put to death.

Notable quotes / insights

• Robert Robertson: “I’m at peace if it happens, but I’m not ready because I don’t think I should be executed when I’m innocent.”
• Lester Holt (framing the series): “The state about to put an innocent man to death. I am terrified that that is what we are racing towards.”
• Case advocacy position (paraphrased): “Let’s take all this evidence, go back to the courtroom, go back to a jury, and let them decide.”

Topics discussed

• Death penalty and execution protocols (Polunsky Unit, lethal injection)
• Allegations of wrongful conviction and calls for re‑examination of evidence
• Investigative journalism methods (document discovery, interviews with first responders/witnesses)
• Emotional toll on medical staff, family members, and the accused
• Community context: small East Texas town (Palestine) and the original hospital response

Action items / recommendations

• Listen to the full episode of The Last Appeal for detailed findings, newly discovered documents, and the full investigative reporting.
• If you want to engage on the case: research the official court filings, recent appeals, and any newly disclosed evidence; consult or donate to innocence projects or legal defense organizations involved in post‑conviction reviews.
• For advocates concerned about clemency or stays of execution: identify the relevant Texas authorities (trial court, appellate courts, governor’s clemency process) and seek legal counsel to file emergency motions or petitions based on any newly uncovered evidence.

Final note

This preview sets up a high‑stakes investigative narrative: a man with imminent execution dates maintained as innocent by advocates, while the state and some family members insist otherwise. The full podcast episode promises new documents, witness accounts, and a closer look at whether the case merits reopening before the scheduled execution.