Former Dallas County District Attorney Craig Wakins, best known for rebuilding trust in the DA's office and targeting sex offenders for prosecution through the Conviction Integrity Unit, has died at age 56. did.
Watkins' death was confirmed Tuesday by the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office, but the cause of death was not released.
His dedication to prosecuting child abuse cases and the establishment of the nation's first Conviction Integrity Unit are evidence of his vision and ability to effect change.
John Clouzot, Dallas County District Attorney
Watkins, a Dallas native and Dallas ISD member, graduated summa cum laude from Prairie View A&M University and earned a law degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
After working as a public defender and private attorney, Watkins broke barriers in 2007 to become the first black person elected as Dallas County district attorney. Some say he is the first black person elected as prosecutor in the state.
Watkins served two terms on the Dallas County Legislature, but lost re-election to Republican Susan Hawk following an FBI investigation into allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in 2015.
After Hawk resigned in 2017 and was replaced by Republican Faith Johnson, Watkins said he considered running for his previous job, but that ultimately it would be a decision for him and his wife. .
The day before the filing deadline, he told NBC 5 that he would not return to public service and would continue to work in private practice and focus on his family.
Under Watkins' leadership, the Dallas County Prosecutor's Office achieved a 99.4% conviction rate and kept sex offenders and child predators behind bars, according to his bio posted on the district attorney's office webpage in 2015. This placed emphasis on child protection.
A highlight of his career at the District Attorney's Office was the creation of the Conviction Integrity Unit, which investigated more than 300 cases and helped release 25 wrongfully convicted inmates. With the creation of this division, Watkins was named one of Governance Magazine's Public Employees of the Year in 2008.
Current Dallas County District Attorney John Clouseau said he is proud to serve with someone who can make a difference and leave such a strong legacy.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague Craig Watkins. Craig was a bright and ambitious man. It is a tragedy that his life ended so soon, but he left behind a powerful legacy. He made history as the first African-American district attorney in Texas. His intense focus on prosecuting child abuse cases and the creation of the nation's first Conviction Integrity Unit were a testament to his vision. It's proof of your ability to make a difference,” Clouzot said. for it. I am proud to have known him, worked with him, and been elected to the same office he held. he will be missed. ”
Clouzot vividly remembers getting a call about the case from former prosecutor Craig Watkins.
“He called me and said he agreed with my policies and supported them,” he said.
Clouzot said Watkins set a different tone when he took office.
“When Craig arrived, he brought a new and different energy to the District Attorney's Office and was looking for a different approach. “It's a constant reminder that it's not necessarily about doing justice, it's not necessarily about being executed in a court of law,” Clouzot said.
Mike Ware is the executive director of the Texas Innocence Project. He received a personal request from Watkins in his 2007 to come and work in the Conviction Integrity Unit. Watkins' policies did not come without scrutiny and fierce criticism.
“It made him unpopular with the police and unpopular with the victims' union at the time, but it was the right thing to do,” Mr Ware said.
Cory Sessions, vice president of the Innocence Project, said Watkins set the standard and his death is a great loss.
Watkins is survived by his wife, Tanya, and three children. Details of his memorial service have not been disclosed.
