Crime

Church Crime Scene: Convicted Felon Arrested for Beating Death of ‘Gentle’ Texas Pastor

Church Crime Scene: Convicted Felon Arrested for Beating Death of Gentle Texas PastorARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — A convicted felon was arrested Saturday and faces a capital murder charge in the slaying of a pastor at his Texas church in an apparent robbery, police said.

Steven Lawayne Nelson, 24, was arrested at an apartment complex following a brief standoff with Arlington police, department spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard said. Nelson apparently had been staying in an apartment a few blocks away from the NorthPointe Baptist Church, where the Rev. Clint Dobson was found dead and his assistant was severely beaten Thursday.

It was not immediately known if Nelson, who remains jailed, had retained a lawyer.

Richard said investigators had found the assistant’s car stolen from the church parking lot after the attack. She said the car was not located at the apartment complex but would not say where authorities found it, saying the release of that information could jeopardize the case.

Police continue to investigate and have not ruled out the possibility of other suspects, Richard said.

Nelson was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in October in Dallas and was sentenced to eight years of probation, according to public records. Then in November he was sent to a state facility that houses defendants who violate their parole, community or mandatory supervision conditions — and was released less than two weeks ago, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice records.

Since 2005, Nelson has served some jail time for convictions of property theft, burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, records show.

Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial of flowers was growing outside the doors of NorthPointe, where Sunday services were being held as scheduled.

Dobson, 28, had led the satellite church of First Baptist Church of Arlington for about three years.

Comments (106)

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  • machogwapo
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 11:47am

    The great irony of the liberal mindset; murdering them before they have a chance to breath air, but do not kill them regardless of the heinous acts committed. The only crime worth the death penalty is the crime of inconvenience owing to an irresponsible couple who just wanted to express their human sexuality.

    Report Post » machogwapo  
  • Paradiddle69
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 11:32am

    Snowflake200: Precisely! Why not let everyone see Lawayne? If what I suspect is the case (and, if not, it doesn’t really detract from the following statement anyway): Guaranteed that if this had been a “Pastor of color” or any of the other protected classes & a white perpetrator, it would be front-page news on the alphabet channels, MSM, &c. HATE CRIME!

    Report Post »  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 10:57am

    This really saddens my heart. If this Baptist church is like mine they would have given him what he needed, all he had to do was ask. May our Heavenly Father forgive him.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
    • MaggieRose
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 8:55am

      Exactly what I was thinking… we would have given the assailant whatever he wanted. I’m sure the Pastor and the assistant tried everything… oh so, so, sad. Praying for the family and the congregation.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 10:35am

    ANIMALS.. why are they allowed to walk the streets? He should have been in JAIL. To beat an older woman and KILL a man like that? ANIMAL… the ONLY word that comes to mind. The sad part is, NOTHING shocks us any longer, even the lack of outrage….

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 9:26am

    Thinking about our continuing decline in AMERICA, and came up with this solution to the problem of Defense Attorneys.

    Anytime, any where that a convicted felon repeats an offense, his/her defense attorney is liable to serve equal time, pay all restitution and loses FOREVER his/her license to “practice ” law.

    I think this would stop 99.2 percent of all crime!

    Report Post »  
    • Hisemiester
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 4:48pm

      a copper jacket at the base of the brain is a better way to prevent these criminals back on the streets. It really cheap and does the job quickly.

      Report Post »  
  • snowflake220
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 9:06am

    Why no picture of LaWayne guy? He’s been in jail and prison many times so there has to be a mug shot right? Is there a reason his picutre is not plastered all over the papers but the AZ shooter of Gifford was. That guy didn’t even have a crimanl background yet they got his mug shot out on the news ASAP!

    So I’m guessing since it was a white pastor this worthless piece of crap must be black. There has been so many black against white crimes lately it‘s getting scary and I’m sure the news stations see it too and don’t want to panic the whites that the blacks are now feeling the POWER to attack whites and get away with it. Like the voter intimidation case. Those blacks were let go even with video proof.

    Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:52am

    here we go, the left don’t like the death penalty,but loves to let scum like this loose again to kill.i say shoot him now don’t wait,forget court,he has had his chance more than one time in his sorry a$$ life,the only one to blame is himself,no one else,but you know the left will try and get him off by playing the race card ,or by using his environment { up bringing or lack of } to help defend him and demonize the preacher of that church, i wish that we could gut him and let the buzzards and ants eat on him for a while then heal him up and do it again,over and over until he is dead,then i would know he would never be able to do such despicable acts against anyone.

    Report Post »  
  • Vince Foster
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:38am

    .
    Was the criminal wearing his Obama Tee-Shirt?
    .

    Report Post » Vince Foster  
  • BeardedDog
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:35am

    I say we put him inside a steel tube with a little window to see out of and strap it to the wing of a Predator and fire him at someone in Afghanistan.

    Report Post »  
  • ETOOL USMC RECON
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:53am

    He should have gotten a PUBLIC WHIPPING for his first offense…some embarrassment with punishment that he would NEVER forget…..
    And now, after being found guilty, he should have to build his own gallows…in the public square…and then hang. With every other offender in that jail MADE TO WATCH.

    Anyone else SICK AND TIRED of babysitting criminals????

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:14am

      @ETOOL I believe you have something there. Growing up when kids misbehaved and were paddled for that IN public schools kept us all in line, even the bullies. It was no fun and it must have hurt like a son of a gun. Humiliated in front of your peers…. nothing like it for keeping us on the straight and narrow.

      We also had joyous fun growing up and because we knew where our limits were, we were safe. We need that line/those lines drawn in concrete (forget sand) again.

      Report Post »  
    • ETOOL USMC RECON
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 10:12am

      @ KICKAGRANDMA….It seems we have removed any sense or embarassment and punishment to our society. As a former school Principal I actually wrote my Masters Thesis on paddling and it’s positive benefit. My findings were that over 100,000,000 people in our country had been paddled and 99.9% of them were now law abiding citizens. Paddling is a great tool….it is immediate, it hurts a bit, and you’re done…ready to move on, with no prejudice held.

      Report Post »  
    • wodiej
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 6:58am

      I’m a big proponent of kids getting a whack on the bottom by parents and teachers. It’s humiliating more than anything. The shame is what prompts us to learn to behave.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:20am

    Ah, JESUS, it will be good to be HOME with you and with all YOUR “kids” one of these days. We know the “Welcome Home” party held in honor of Clint Dobson just knocked the socks off the Heavenly realm. JESUS, we thank YOU for YOUR mercies upon us. Thank YOU for blessing us even now in our heavy sadness. And, LORD, we pray for those who are straddling the fence in deciding where they want to land for now and for eternity ~~~ YOUR side now and forever, or the liar’s side now and forever. We know there are no shades of gray, that it is “black and white”. We need YOU, LORD, right now, right here. We thank YOU for YOUR love and forgiveness even as we forgive those who hurt us….and that includes Steven Lawayne Nelson the man who killed one of YOUR “favorite kids”.

    Report Post »  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 6:04pm

      Kickagrandma – I had to read your post a few times. It seemed sarcastic & angry at first. But in re-reading, it is quite a good prayer. I’m just not sure it came from your heart. But, that is between you & God, not for me to judge. I am sure the Gates of Heaven were wide open when this man of God appeared & Jesus was standing there, arms wide open, saying, “Well done good & faithful servant! Welcome Home!”. May God bless & comfort you.

      Report Post »  
    • Rev. John
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 4:24am

      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • MaggieRose
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 8:56am

      Amen, KAGrandma, Amen

      Report Post »  
  • quarter horseman
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:16am

    He should have been carrying a gun, church is no longer a safe place either.

    http://www.opencarry.org

    Report Post » quarter horseman  
    • Shoot-To-Kill
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:56am

      Exactly what I was thinking quarter horseman ! Sounds like the bad guy brought a club to what should have been a gunfight.

      Report Post » Shoot-To-Kill  
    • wrs840
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:57pm

      I carry a gun because I can’t carry a cop, and when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.

      Report Post »  
  • DVT
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 5:49am

    RIP Pastor.

    Report Post »  
  • rodamaa
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 5:28am

    God bless you Rev. Clint Dobson, my condolence to his family and quick recovery for his assistant

    Report Post »  
  • terridear1
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 5:24am

    Another example of our pis pour system of justice. The man should have been in jail good night nurse! But instead, some bumble brain let him out to kill. This wasn;t just for a car, I think it was a hate crime ans should be tried as such. Someone evil wanted to snuff out someone good. I am just waitning gor the media to try to soften our heart for the criminal I imagine he lost his job and got hooked on drugs becuase he was not givien equal opportunity of education or bhah blah blah

    Report Post »  
  • ironmaid
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 5:16am

    This is very sad. Condolences to the victims family.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina Biscotti
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 2:46am

    That is why all States across the USA should have the death penalty – better living through electricity….

    Report Post »  
    • lillianrose
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:04am

      I agree!

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:24am

      Now there’s a GE slogan I can get behind! May this young pastor rest in peace. Amen.

      Report Post »  
    • Brvnkaerv
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 1:56am

      Hey Fina are you married? I have a Gold Ring I have been saving for some one like you. P.S. I love Breaded veal with garlic in a chianti sauce.

      Report Post » Brvnkaerv  
  • Ledger
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 1:21am

    The criminal justice system is backed up in Texas as much as it is in the other states. This leads to offenders getting multiple chances or opportunities to change. However, you can bet that they will make space on Death Row for this guy AND his accomplices. He has had more than his fair share of chances, and he blew it. He’s toast.

    Report Post » Ledger  
    • angelcat
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:59pm

      i can’t help but wonder how many of the cases that are backed up are those involving illegals.

      Report Post »  
  • teachermitch32
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 1:13am

    convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in October in Dallas and was sentenced to eight years of probation

    This is the problem. Our laws, and judges are just too lenient. Get tougher and crime will drop…at least we will be safer as a public for a longer period of time. And treat the convicts the way sherrif Joe A. does in AZ. They won’t want to reaffend.

    My prayers are going out to this Pastors family, freinds and fellowship members…even now.

    Report Post »  
    • Mateytwo Barreett
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:54am

      System overload, increasing costs, breakdown of the family unit, schools systems that are too big to care- ACLU & Co., removal of religion in schools and government, and coming it at #1probation fees!
      (You won’t see this happening at a mosque near U)

      Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • hopnmad
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:49am

    It‘s unfortunate when bad things happen to good people but this wasn’t God’s will for him to die this way…God didn’t make this happen, a very bad man did.

    Report Post » hopnmad  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 2:30am

      Exactly! This man took away the life God was using to further his Kingdom here on this earth. A choice to murder was made and God did not design that! Your nailed good HOPNMAD I’m just sticking one more nail.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • lorihap
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:41pm

      @ hopnmad

      well said

      Report Post » lorihap  
    • Brvnkaerv
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 1:42am

      The Devil made him do it. When is God going to take out this Devil guy? Oh I remember now.. The Devil has now power when YOU have faith in God. With your faith, and a Guardian Angel, The Devil can not hurt you. That is why God will not lift a finger against this Devil guy. Bad things only happen to bad people. Wait… If somthing bad happens to someone good, it is because God is teaching you a lesson… Or calling you home, because you are so good. Dont fret about your horrible demise. You are with Jesus now.

      Report Post » Brvnkaerv  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:32am

    Thats great another rehabilitated felon that promised he would be straight and clean-up his act. I wonder what the parole board will say and the judge who released this guy

    Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:35am

      A capital murder charge carries the death penalty.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • ropati
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Parole Boards who unleash these monsters into the public should themselves be punished.

      Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Nothing – they will continue doing the same.

      Report Post »  
  • CatholiConservative
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:31am

    We need to pray for our country big time

    Report Post »  
    • goatkid
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 7:17am

      @catholiconservative
      You bet. This country is going insane.

      Report Post »  
  • hopnmad
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:30am

    how senseless..does anyone really need to beat a person to death just to steal their car? this man’s death was so unnecessary. tragic.

    Report Post » hopnmad  
  • dataway
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:29am

    For those who are not believers. You never know when your time is coming. Don‘t wait to repent because you may just end up where you don’t want to be for eternity. Doing your own thing is not going to bring you any peace or fulfillment.

    Report Post »  
    • ofallon
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 9:49am

      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 10:56am

      Ditto!!

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • Rev. John
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 4:07am

      Paul also spent most of his life and ministry
      in a Roman prison. Redemption is only one prayer
      away. God answers knee mail!!!
      Blessing to all

      Report Post »  
    • Hisemiester
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 4:43pm

      Dataway: Neither is a false sense of safety with false religious teachings.

      Report Post »  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:23am

    That is sad.

    Waiting to read what SilentWatcher has to say about this one!

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:29am

      Ditto, this is very sad. I hope the scumbag gets justice and finds forgiveness.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:32am

      No; I’m so sorry.

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:38am

      So this is his crime spree since he has been 18 yrs old.
      What about his record before that ? I’m sure someone saw a bright spark of upstanding citizenship in him long before 2005,to have unleashed him on to unsuspecting public

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 1:10am

      Rest in Peace my Brother of the Faith; for the Lord will have accounting of those who deal such to His people…may justice be done, and may the young man find redemption and salvation in the time he spends behind bars.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • canuck44
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:29am

      Who cares about forgiveness…this scum bag just needs an IV bolus of succinyl choline and KCl…some propofol or thiopental too but this only to satisfy the libs. The alcohol wipe is the same…does anyone really care if the IV is sterile?
      The problem is the average time from conviction to condemnation to demise is decades although at least Texas has shortened the process.

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:39am

      “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in October in Dallas and was sentenced to eight years of probation”
      I wonder how his attorney got him off of an agg assault with only 8 year probation – Texas justice system stinks. It is crowded with tons of illegals who are on trial for one thing or another. And the prison system is full of drug offenses. Here is another interesting story out of Texas http://wp.me/pYLB7-IH

      walkwithme1966  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:29am

      My prayers and thoughts to the Pastor’s family and congregation. My best wishes to Judy, the church secretary, for a full and speedy recovery.

      As for the suspect, I hope that the police find everything they need for a solid conviction and that if it goes to a jury trial, there will be no doubt based on the evidence.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Mateytwo Barreett
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:32am

      @WALKS
      You answered your own question. System overload.

      Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 8:35am

      1966…Agreed, but its our ENTIRE justice system that stinks. some crimes carry too harsh a sentence and others not harsh enough. Thugs have NO fear of the law, and cops have their hands tied. Even after most convictions the sentences are either commuted or are never served or enforced.
      I strongly believe in trying to rehabilitate and giving a second chance… but most of the the scum in prisons now will never change and have been deemed career criminals. Sorry , but why do the still exist?

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • 123gone
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 12:10pm

      Sad, my a$$ – Where is the moral outrage? – Where is the accountability? – Where is the justice?

      Public Officials that release felons on the innocent public should be held liable. They need to be removed from their positions of trust and be sent to prison.

      They need to be treated the same as someone who would turn a mad dog loose on a playground full of children.

      Report Post »  
    • Old Truckers
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 2:07pm

      What is the point in the headline, that the victim was a GENTILE? Did I miss a detail as to what that was all about?

      Report Post » Old Truckers  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 3:30pm

      So much for second, third ,, and more “chances” until they do something horrific .. this guy should not have been out on the streets.

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 3:44pm

      Need we forget Paul the apostle would had stood by and given his approval of the death of Christians before his conversion on the road to Damascus. I hope this young man could find redemption and become a great minister of the gospel someday !!!! Of course he will need to face the consequences for his crimes and we will need to pray for the family of these 2 believers.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Creestof
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:15pm

      I’m sorry…getting convicted of “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon” gets probation in Texas? I mean, I know it was 8 years of probation which essentially means the guys is not going to make it through without screwing up before it ends…but…sheesh!

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on March 6, 2011 at 4:39pm

      Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and gets sentenced to 8 years PROBATION. Violates probation and serves 4 MONTHS and again released.

      If the state had been doing their job, this guy would have been in prison serving his sentence and the Pastor would still be alive.

      I hold the state just as responsible for the Pastor’s death as I do the habitual criminal.

      Report Post »  
    • ZeitgeistBuster
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 8:50am

      This is a case where I want to rend my clothes and sit around in sackcloth and ashes and lament my country and the world we are living through. I’m starting to feel some overload now.

      Helpless and innocent lambs to the slaughter. I believe in deadly self defense. It sounds like maybe the guy had rape on his mind and the pastor lost his life keeping it from happening. I could be wrong, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

      Report Post » ZeitgeistBuster  
    • YellowFin
      Posted on March 7, 2011 at 2:46pm

      oldtruckers,
      The word is “gentle” not “gentile”

      Report Post » YellowFin  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on March 8, 2011 at 5:14am

      This incident is obviously another failed attempt at rehabilitation It was a great injustice to the Texas citizens and tax payers. The system fail once again. Hopefully the muderer will be tried convicted and put to death for his crime. My prayers will be for the family and church of this pastor who was brutally murdered. Justice needs to be done and asap !

      One thing is for sure, he won’t get off with just probation this time. Hopefully he‘ll have a date with the executioner after his appeals are exhausted Unfortunately he’ll probably get to languish on Texas’s death row for 12-15 years before justice is finally carried out. His victim wasn’t given that luxury. This is a sad story for the victims family and friends and for the church he pastored.

      Report Post »  
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