Man Executed in Texas for Murder of 28-Year-Old Priest

texas, united states - Steven Lawayne Nelson executed in Texas despite maintaining innocence, marking the second execution in the US this year.

Steven Lawayne Nelson Executed in Texas

Steven Lawayne Nelson was executed in Texas despite his claims of innocence, receiving a lethal injection on Wednesday evening. This marks the second execution in the United States this year. In 2024, the US saw 25 executions, with three carried out through nitrogen inhalation and the rest through lethal injection.

In 2011, Nelson entered a church in Arlington with the intent to rob. He killed 28-year-old priest Clint Dobson, who was working on a sermon, by suffocating him with a bag over his head. Nelson also attacked 69-year-old Judy Elliot, leaving her severely injured. Dobson, described as an idealistic priest by his congregation, left behind a shocked community. Nelson was arrested two days later while driving Judy's car, with the priest's belongings found in the vehicle. He claimed to have only kept watch outside and accused two other men of committing the murder, but neither was convicted.

Before his execution, Nelson expressed acceptance, stating, 'I am not afraid of death and have peace with it. I am grateful for everything. Live for me and enjoy life.' Another execution is scheduled in Texas for Thursday, involving Richard Tabler convicted for a 2004 double murder in Killeen. Moises Mendoza, sentenced for strangling a 20-year-old in Collin County, is expected to be executed on April 23.