Steven Lawayne Nelson, convicted of murdering Texas pastor Clinton "Clint" Dobson and committing a series of violent crimes, was executed by the State of Texas on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
Nelson was found guilty of suffocating Pastor Dobson during a robbery at NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, where Dobson was a member of the Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership (ACAPP), a coalition of clergy from all faiths who work with the Arlington Police Department.
In addition to killing Dobson, Nelson also brutally attacked Dobson’s assistant, 69-year-old Judy Elliott, who survived the assault. Nelson was also responsible for the murder of a fellow inmate while awaiting trial.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton commented, "After years of legal battles, Steven Nelson was punished for his heinous crimes, and justice has finally been served. My heart is with the family and friends of Pastor Clint Dobson, as well as the loved ones of every victim who suffered at the hands of this monster."
Nelson's execution was carried out by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, Texas.
