Forensic Files

Dateline Presents: The Last Appeal

Dateline NBC

  • Oct 6, 2025
  • 5:04
  • Full Episode
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<p>Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing a special preview clip of The Last Appeal, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Lester Holt. </p><p>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? </p><p>To start listening, just search “The Last Appeal”. And remember to follow for new episodes releasing each day this week. For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-appeal/id1842552298">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2KhizRo8qWmoYuEXDXlwL8">Spotify</a>, or <a href="http://datelinepremium.com/">DatelinePremium.com</a>.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

Lester Holt interviews Robert Robertson, who claims innocence before his scheduled execution for his daughter's murder, raising questions about the evidence against him.

Key points

  • The Last Appeal Podcast Preview. Lester Holt introduces his new podcast focusing on a controversial death row case.
  • Robert's Scheduled Execution. Robert Robertson faces execution by lethal injection, claiming his innocence.
  • A Growing Movement. Supporters rally behind Robert, believing he is innocent and deserving of a new trial.
  • Urgent Need for Justice. Lester explores the evidence that could exonerate Robert before it's too late.
  • A Nurse's Memory. Kelly Garganis recalls the traumatic day she treated Nikki, a pivotal moment in the case.

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