Craig Watkins, who passed away at age 56 on December 12, 2023, was a trailblazer who made history in 2007 when he was elected as the first Black District Attorney of Dallas County.
Widely considered to be the first Black DA in Texas, though some historians credit William A. Price as the first Black district attorney elected back in 1876, Watkins shattered long-standing barriers.
“He made history as the first elected African-American district attorney in Texas,” said current Dallas County DA John Creuzot.
As a former public defender, Watkins brought a fresh perspective to an office long dominated by a “tough on crime” mentality. His ambitious vision and reform-oriented policies began rebuilding public trust in the DA’s office.
Pioneering the First Conviction Integrity Unit
One of Watkins’ landmark achievements was creating the first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit, dedicated to investigating claims of wrongful convictions.
“His fierce focus on…his creation of the first Conviction Integrity Unit in the nation are testaments to his vision and ability to effect change,” Creuzot said.
This groundbreaking initiative reviewed over 300 cases during Watkins’ tenure and was instrumental in freeing 25 wrongly imprisoned individuals – cementing Watkins as a national leader in the fight against injustice.
The Conviction Integrity Unit sent a powerful message – that the DA’s office cared deeply about truth and rectifying past mistakes. It has become a model adopted by many prosecutors nationwide.
A Tireless Advocate Remembered
Though Watkins served only two terms before losing reelection in 2015, he leaves behind an incredible legacy of advancing justice and giving voice to the wrongly convicted.
Current DA John Creuzot summed up his trailblazing career:
“I am proud to have known him, to have worked with him, and to have been elected to the same office he held. He will be missed.”
After leaving office, Watkins continued advocating for justice through his South Dallas law firm. His vision and tireless efforts leave a lasting impact on Dallas County and inspire a new generation of reform-minded attorneys across the nation. Watkins is survived by his wife Tanya and three children.
