Former Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins died at his home Tuesday morning, according to his family.
In 2006 Watkins was the first elected black District Attorney in Texas and quickly became known nationally for freeing innocent men from prison. 35 men had their convictions overturned during his administration.
Watkins also tried to spend much of his time speaking out against prosecutors who bent the rules. But he was not without his controversy.
Watkins was held in contempt in March 2013 for refusing to testify about allegations of misconduct against him. He was acquitted six months later by another judge but was defeated in his run for reelection in 2015.
After serving as DA, Watkins opened his law firm focusing on criminal and personal injury law. There is no word yet on how he died.
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