Steven Nelson- Scheduled for execution

37 year-old Steven is convicted of the murder of 28-year-old Clinton Dobson on March 3, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. 

Steven was born in Oklahoma.  His father was rarely around and was abusive when he was.  He dropped out of school after the 11th grade.  Steven had numerous encounters with law enforcement as a minor as well as in adulthood. He spent time at a high-risk juvenile detention center.   

Clinton Dobson was a pastor of NorthPointe Baptist Church who had agreed to meet church member Dale Harwell for lunch on March 3, 2011.  When Clinton did not arrive, Dale unsuccessfully attempted to contact him.  Debra Jenkins went to the church and saw two cars in the parking lot, that of Clinton and Judy Elliot.  When Debra was unable to enter the church or have anyone answer at the church office, she left.  She returned about 15 minutes later and noted that Judy’s car was no longer in the parking lot.  Another church member arrived for a meeting with Clinton but left after being unable to reach him.

Clinton’s wife, Laura, was concerned when she could not reach her husband and asked the part-time music minister to go to the church.  He agreed, along with Judy’s husband.  Upon arriving, they were able to enter the church using a passcode.  They noticed that the church office was in disarray and a severely beaten woman was lyingon the ground. She was not immediately recognized as Judy.  They also saw Clinton lying on the floor and called the police.  

Both victims were lying on their backs, with their hands bound behind them. Clinton had a plastic bag over his head, sucked into his mouth. Clinton was soon pronounced dead. Judy suffered long-lasting and permanent injuries from the attack but survived.

Steven was arrested on March 5, 2011. It was discovered that Steven stole Judy’s car and her bank card which he used to purchase different items.

He was caught wearing the items he bought with Judy’s money. And DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

However, during his trial, Nelson claimed that two others committed the murder and robbery and that he only served as a lookout.

Steven Nelson is scheduled to be executed at 6 pm local time on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Huntsville, Texas.