The Final Words of a Condemned Man: Texas Carries Out First Execution of 2025

Steven Nelson, a 37-year-old convicted killer, became the first person executed in Texas in 2025.

Nelson was put to death by lethal injection for the 2011 murder of Rev. Clint Dobson, a beloved church pastor at NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.

He was officially pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Throughout his 13 years on death row, Nelson maintained his innocence, insisting two other accomplices were responsible for Dobson’s murder. He only admitted to robbing NorthPointe Baptist Church. He claimed to have walked in 5 minutes after two others killed Dobson and severely beat church secretary, Judy Elliot. He alleged he simply found the victims lying on the floor and then proceeded to steal Elliot's car, laptop, and credit cards. He then embarked on a shopping spree, purchasing gas, clothing, and jewelry.

Prosecutors said Nelson acted alone, and investigators found damning DNA evidence on Nelson's shoe from both of his victims.

Steven Nelson protested his capital punishment and refused to walk to the van that would carry him to his final worldly destination, the execution chamber at the Huntsville Unit.

Sources indicate that when Nelson arrived, he had bandages on his arms that were not seen on him earlier in the day. So far, there is no further word on why the bandages were there or information on the degree to which he resisted his execution.

According to witnesses, the final words of Steven Nelson were adamant professions of love to his wife, who was present for his final moments, followed by, "I'm at peace, I'm ready to be at home. Let's ride, Warden."

Nelson's spiritual advisor, who was present at the time of his execution, said it "took forever" for him to be declared dead, and that "he fought to the very end."

You can learn more about Steven Nelson and the horrific crimes that led to his execution here.