Steven Lawayne Nelson was executed in Texas after 13 years on death row. As his girlfriend and his dog watched, Nelson spoke brief final words that expressed peace and readiness. Read the full account and reaction to his execution.
Death Row Inmate’s Final Words as His Dog Watched Execution
A Texas man convicted of murder was executed earlier this year, speaking short final words as his girlfriend and his dog looked on.
Steven Lawayne Nelson, 37, was put to death by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas, on February 5. Nelson had spent about 13 years on death row after his 2012 conviction for the 2011 killing of Reverend Clinton Dobson during a robbery at NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington. A church secretary, Judy Elliot, survived the attack but was seriously injured.
Nelson always denied being the killer, saying he served as a lookout and that the victims were already incapacitated when he arrived. He was arrested two days after the crime after being found driving the survivor’s car. All of his appeals were denied by state and federal courts, and a clemency campaign led by spiritual adviser and anti-death-penalty activist Reverend Jeff Hood was unsuccessful.
Final moments and witnesses
Nelson had married Helene Noa Dubois just two weeks before his execution. She chose to attend and brought Nelson’s white dog into the witness area; she lifted the dog to the viewing window so it could be near him. Nelson addressed Dubois in his final minutes, asking her to care for the dog: “Give Monkey a hug for me.”
According to news reports, Nelson’s last public remarks were short and calm: “It is what it is… I’m not scared, I’m at peace, I’m ready to be at home. Let’s ride, Warden.” As the lethal dose was given, he reportedly told his wife to “let him go to sleep.”
Reverend Hood said Nelson “fought to the very end,” and noted a long delay before officials declared him deceased.
A complicated relationship formed behind glass
Nelson’s relationship with Dubois began during his time on death row. He had told reporters that their bond — maintained through visits and phone calls while he was incarcerated — was meaningful despite the restrictions of prison contact. At the same time, Nelson had told the press he did not want Dubois to witness the execution but left the choice to her.