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NEWS ARTICLES

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Michelle Pitcher

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Bayliss Wagner

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James Powel

First Baptist
Polunsky Unit
Ken Kamp

Ken Kamp

Texas Monthly
Steven
bekah Mcneel

Bekah McNeel

Jeff Hood
Chase Rodgers

Chase Rogers

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Hood and Dubois
Jobin Panicker

Jobin Panicker

​Arguments Against the Death Penalty in Steven’s Case

Disproportionate Punishment

Steven’s actions do not warrant a death sentence. As a lookout, he did not commit murder, nor did he have any intent to harm anyone. It is fundamentally unjust to equate his actions with those of his co-defendants, who directly caused a death.​

Lack of Knowledge

At the time of entering the church, Steven was unaware that a murder had occurred. This critical fact must be taken into account when determining his culpability. Holding him accountable for a crime he did not commit is a violation of basic principles of justice.

Arbitrary Application of Justice

The fact that Steven is the only one convicted and sentenced to death raises serious concerns about the arbitrary application of the death penalty in this case. Such a disparity undermines public confidence in the justice system.

Rehabilitation Potential

Steven has great potential for rehabilitation and has been positively contributing to society. He keeps showing love and compassion to his wife, friends and outer circle, demonstrating numerous times that he has grown as a person.

Steven deeply regrets his involvement in the robbery and has taken multiple opportunities to atone for his past actions.

The death penalty would eliminate any possibility for further growth and change, denying Steven the chance to continue his positive contributions to the world and make amends for his mistakes.

We urge the governor, legislators, and all relevant authorities to review Steven’s case thoroughly. His death sentence represents not only a personal tragedy but a failure of the system to fully investigate the individuals involved. It doesn't serve anybody’s interests to have an incomplete investigation. Justice should not be a one-size-fits-all approach; it must consider the nuances of each individual case.

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