top of page
Image by Milad Fakurian

NEWS ARTICLES

TxO_FinalLogo_Redesign.png

‘How Innocent Do They Have to Be?’: Texas’ First Scheduled Execution of 2025 Raises Thorny Questions

texasobserver.PNG
pitcher-michelle-3.jpg

Michelle Pitcher

Austin_American-Statesman_(2019-10-31).svg.png

She married death row inmate Steven Nelson in December.
In 2 weeks, Texas will execute him.

467730345_1787316888478321_7525610281298613699_n.jpg
bayliss_edited.jpg

Bayliss Wagner

Church of murdered pastor supports execution.

Another man of God says it should be stopped

474321949_610839421593538_7888432931291057842_n.jpg
James_edited.jpg

James Powel

First Baptist

Activist urges mercy for man convicted of killing pastor

Polunsky Unit
Ken Kamp

Ken Kamp

Texas Monthly

He’s on Death Row for Killing a Pastor. Christians Are Divided Over Whether He Should Die.

Steven
bekah Mcneel

Bekah McNeel

Activists plea for halt to execution planned for man convicted of killing Arlington pastor

Jeff Hood
Chase Rodgers

Chase Rogers

wfaa logo

Partner of man convicted of killing Arlington pastor set to be executed calls for case revisit

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.

​​

FOLLOW US

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Amazon
bottom of page