Craig Watkins, Former Dallas County DA, Passes at 56

By Dhivya Easwarasamy On Dec 13, 2023

Craig Watkins, Former Dallas County DA, Passes at 56

Unfortunately, Craig Watkins, who was Dallas’ first Black District Attorney, passed away. Former Watkins DA team member Russell Wilson reported that Watkins passed away at home on Tuesday morning. At 56, Watkins was an old man.

Wilson released a statement saying, “It is with deep sorrow that the friends and family of Craig Marcus Watkins announce his passing,” “Craig Marcus Watkins, the former District Attorney of Dallas County passed away this morning at his home in Dallas.

After winning election in 2006, Watkins held the office of District Attorney until 2015.

Watkins promoted exonerations while in government, and his conviction integrity team gained national recognition for its support of wrongfully convicted people who spent decades behind bars for crimes they did not commit.

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Craig Watkins, former Dallas County District Attorney, dies at 56:

Craig Watkins, former Dallas County District Attorney, dies at 56 https://t.co/3hz4sjZ1YB

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) December 12, 2023

John Creuzot, the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney, provided CBS News Texas with the following information regarding Watkins’ passing:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague Craig Watkins. Craig was bright and ambitious and for his life to end so prematurely is a tragedy, however, he leaves behind a powerful legacy.

He made history as the first elected African-American district attorney in Texas. His fierce focus on the prosecution of child abuse cases and his creation of the first Conviction Integrity Unit in the nation are testaments to his vision and ability to effect change.

Craig was perfectly human, and those who knew him are better for it. 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.”

Watkins established his legal practice on MLK Boulevard in South Dallas during his tenure as DA. Wilson stated that the Watkins family is requesting privacy at this time and that funeral plans are still pending.