Podcast Summary: Here's the Scoop – "Dateline Presents: The Last Appeal"
Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Lester Holt (special preview for Dateline NBC)
Episode Focus: A special look at "The Last Appeal," examining the controversial case of Robert Roberson, a Texas death row inmate, convicted of murdering his two-year-old daughter, Nikki.
Episode Overview
This episode offers a gripping, investigative preview of Lester Holt's podcast "The Last Appeal," centering on Robert Roberson's looming execution and the mounting doubts about his guilt. Through interviews inside death row, conversations with family, advocacy groups, and frontline witnesses, Holt dives deep into the events surrounding Nikki Roberson’s tragic death in East Texas in 2003, and the new evidence that may alter the course of Roberson’s fate.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Inside Death Row: Meeting Robert Roberson
[00:23] Lester Holt sits down with Robert Roberson inside the Polunsky Unit, Texas Death Row.
- Describes the environment: plastic chairs, plexiglass barrier, Roberson’s appearance.
- Roberson discusses mental state and feelings about his impending execution:
“I'm at peace if it… if it happens. But I'm not ready because I don't think I should be executed when I'm innocent.” — Robert Roberson [01:00]
- Roberson maintains his innocence as he faces a scheduled lethal injection (October 16).
2. Reflections from Family and Prosecutors
[01:08] Holt outlines the 2003 conviction. Prosecutorial and family stance highlighted.
- Prosecutor’s certainty:
“Mr. Roberson took the life of his daughter. And I just remember that cold face. And I looked and that poor little girl was just… she was dead.” — Prosecutor (voice) [01:17]
- Family fatigue and support for execution:
“This is his third execution date. It’s time. There’s no more waiting.” — Family member [01:30]
3. The Growing Movement Proclaiming Roberson’s Innocence
[01:36] Introduction of advocates and new evidence.
- Emergence of doubts about his guilt.
- Supporters describe shocking new evidence and procedural oversights:
“I almost cannot believe what I’m reading.” — Supporter [01:41] “Let’s take all this evidence, go back to the courtroom, go back to a jury and let them decide.” — Supporter [01:49]
- Sense of urgency as execution date approaches:
“I am terrified that that is what we are racing towards.” — Advocate [02:26]
4. Holt’s Investigation in East Texas: Searching for the Truth
[02:38] Holt’s journey to Palestine, Texas, retracing the events of Nikki’s death.
- Vivid description of the town and the tragic hospital morning in January.
- Interview (with exclusive access) to critical witnesses who never spoke before:
“We’re just fact-checking on a document that was discovered here, finding details that have never been reported.” — Lester Holt [01:54]
5. New & Exclusive Testimony from Key Witnesses
[03:36] Interview with ER Nurse Kelly Garganis, on scene the day Nikki arrived.
- First time speaking about the case:
“No, this is the very first.” — Kelly Garganis [02:21]
- Emotional recounting of Nikki’s condition and the suspicious circumstances:
“To this day, I’ll never forget that day… A gentleman walks through the door, not the ambulance bay, but the main door, and there was a lady… in a hospital gown… and there was a baby in her lap. We went in the trauma room... and we were like, something else is going on here.” — Kelly Garganis [04:11]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Facing Execution:
"I'm at peace if it, if it happens. But I'm not ready because I don't think I should be executed when I'm innocent." — Robert Roberson [01:00]
- Sense of Finality from the Family:
"This is his third execution date. It's time. There's no more waiting." — Family member [01:30]
- Advocate’s Fears:
"I am terrified that that is what we are racing towards." — Advocate [02:26]
- Witness’s First Public Statement:
"No, this is the very first." — Nurse Kelly Garganis [02:21]
- Vivid Scene at the ER:
"We went in the trauma room when we started the head to toe assessment, and we were like, something else is going on here." — Kelly Garganis [04:11]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:23] – Lester Holt introduces his interview with Roberson on death row
- [01:00] – Roberson discusses readiness for execution and claims innocence
- [01:17] – Prosecutor and family emphasize his guilt and call for execution
- [01:41] – Advocates express disbelief at new evidence
- [01:54] – Holt begins field investigation in East Texas
- [02:21] – Nurse Kelly Garganis' first interview about Nikki’s death
- [04:11] – Garganis describes her memory of the ER events
Tone and Style
The episode maintains a somber, investigative tone that mixes urgency with empathy. Holt’s narration is clear, methodical, and compassionate, drawing out both emotional and factual elements, while interview segments bring the human toll and ambiguity of the case to the forefront.
Conclusion
This special preview of "The Last Appeal" hooks listeners with its raw look at a potentially wrongful execution and the fervent pursuit of truth on both sides. The episode sets up a compelling podcast series that promises new discoveries, moving testimonies, and a race against time for justice.
To hear the full story, search “The Last Appeal” for the complete episode.