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LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND EVIDENCES

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Key topics and corroborations

Multiple people on the scene

State failed to examine other participants as culprits.

 Springs & Jefferson were never further investigated.
 Springs had belongings from the victims when he got arrested.
Witnesses placed minimum 2 people at the scene.

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DNA didn't incriminate Steven

The only Dobson's DNA found on Steven was on his shoe, which he wore when he crawled under Dobson's desk.
Steven's DNA was not on any material used for the crime.
Police never collected Springs' clothing for DNA testing.

Steven had no injury on his body as opposed to Springs.

False Alibis from co-conspirators

 Springs' alibi was never verified.
 Springs had bruises on his hands and arms after the crime occurred but they were never investigated.

 Jefferson's alibi is erroneous and was never verified.

False testimonies from witnesses

Witnesses mentioned Springs & Jefferson in their reports.
Several witnesses falsely testified to receive monetary rewards.
Because some witnesses are family members, they provided false testimonies in favor of Springs & Jefferson.
 Witnesses stories don't match.

Texas presented false testimony

Texas purposely secured an all-white jury

Witness had a deal with the prosecution in exchange of testimony against Steven.

Witness received compensation for his testimony and less time served.

The State struck people of color out of the Jury panel.
 Race was used to select the Jury.

New Claims

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Additional Documents

Appeal
2020.08.26 5th Cir. Nelson's Reply Brief
2023.12.11 SCOTUS Nelson's Cert. Petition

​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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