Nationwide — Steven Lawayne Nelson, a Texas dying row inmate, was lately executed for the 2011 homicide of Rev. Clint Dobson. Nelson, 37, was put to dying by deadly injection on the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas.
In response to WLBT, in his last moments earlier than his execution, Nelson stated, “It’s what it’s.”
“I’m not scared. I’m at peace,” Nelson added. “Let’s trip, Warden.”
His spouse, Helene Noa Dubois, whom he lately married whereas he was in jail, watched by a window. Because the deadly injection started, he whispered “Let me fall asleep” and known as out “Love” earlier than gasping and falling nonetheless. He was pronounced lifeless 24 minutes later.
Nelson was convicted of killing Rev. Clint Dobson, 28, who was overwhelmed, strangled, and suffocated inside NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington. The church secretary, Judy Elliott, was additionally severely overwhelmed however survived.
Nelson constantly claimed that he had solely served as a lookout throughout the theft, whereas two different males dedicated the homicide. Regardless of his claims, proof similar to his fingerprints, his belt, bloodstains on his sneakers, and surveillance footage linked him to the crime scene.
His appeals have been denied at each state and federal ranges, and the U.S. Supreme Courtroom refused to intervene simply hours earlier than his execution.
Nelson had a troubled previous with a felony historical past courting again to childhood. Whereas awaiting trial, he was additionally indicted for the killing of one other inmate however was by no means tried for that cost.
In the meantime, the victims’ households selected to concentrate on reminiscences of their family members somewhat than Nelson’s actions.
“Steven Nelson perpetually modified our lives, however he has by no means occupied our minds. … We miss Clint on daily basis. We miss his laughter and his wit, his recommendation and his love for us,” Dobson’s household stated in an announcement a number of days sooner than Nelson’s execution.
Nelson’s execution was the second within the U.S. this yr and the primary in Texas since October 2024. He’s considered one of 4 inmates scheduled for execution in Texas by the tip of April.
