Texas Gives Steven Nelson Execution Date of February 5, 2025

Steven Nelson, Texas

Updated: Friday, January 17, 2025

Steven Nelson is scheduled to be executed at 6 pm local time on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, inside the Walls Unit execution chamber at the Huntsville State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas.  Thirty-seven-year-old Steven is convicted of 28-year-old Clinton Dobson on March 3, 2011, in Arlington, Texas.  Steven has spent the last 12 years on death row in Texas.

Steven was born in Oklahoma.  His father was rarely around and was abusive when he was.  Steven dropped out of school after the 11th grade.  Throughout his childhood, Steven had numerous encounters with law enforcement and spent time at a high-risk juvenile detention center.  As an adult, he also had numerous encounters with law enforcement, including spending some time in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.  Before his arrest, he worked as a laborer.  

Clinton Dobson, pastor of NorthPointe Baptist Church 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 woman was lying on the ground severely beaten. She was not immediately recognized as Judy.  They also saw Clinton lying on the floor and called the police.  

When police arrived, they discovered that 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.

It was discovered that Steven Nelson stole Judy’s car after teh altercation in teh church office.  He also stole several items and Judy’s credit cards.  Nelson sold some of the items and used Judy’s credit cards to purchase numerous items including shoes, jewelry, clothes, alcohol, and gas.  

Nelson was arrested on March 5, 2011.  He was arrested wearing many of the items he purchased with the stolen credit card.  A search of the apartment where he was arrested identified more items purchased with the stolen credit card.  DNA evidence would also link Nelson to the crime scene.

On March 19, 2012, while in jail awaiting trial, Nelson allegedly killed Jonathon Holden, a mentally challenged inmate. Nelson convicted Holden of faking a suicide attempt by hanging.  Holden approached Nelson’s cell bars and allowed Nelson to place a noose around his neck.  Nelson then tightened the noose and held it, resulting in Holden’s death.  Nelson was seen celebrating after Holden’s death.  He was never tried for Holden’s death.

During his trial, Nelson claimed that two others committed the murder and robbery and that he only served as a lookout.  Nelson also confessed to stealing some items from the office and to using the stolen credit card.

Pray for the family of Clinton Dobson.  Pray for healing for Judy Elliot and her family.  Please pray for strength for the family of Steven Nelson.  Pray that if Steven is innocent, lacks the competency to be executed, or should not be executed for any other reason, that evidence will be proved before his execution.  Pray that Steven comes to find peace through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.