After Dallas DA's death, 19 convictions are undone

[sonias]

AAS 6/29/08

After Dallas DA's death, 19 convictions are undone
By MICHAEL GRACZYK
Associated Press Writer

DALLAS — As district attorney of Dallas for an unprecedented 36 years, Henry Wade was the embodiment of Texas justice.

A strapping 6-footer with a square jaw and a half-chewed cigar clamped between his teeth, The Chief, as he was known, prosecuted Jack Ruby. He was the Wade in Roe v. Wade. And he compiled a conviction rate so impressive that defense attorneys ruefully called themselves the 7 Percent Club.

But now, seven years after Wade's death, The Chief's legacy is taking a beating.

Nineteen convictions — three for murder and the rest involving rape or burglary — won by Wade and two successors who trained under him have been overturned after DNA evidence exonerated the defendants. About 250 more cases are under review.

Henry Wade was the epitome of the Texas good old boy D.A. - he didn't have to be right he just needed to get a conviction. And who would challenge him?

I'm so happy that the current District Attorney Craig Watkins, is cleaning up the Wade mess in Dallas. Toughest job anyone can have. :applause:

Sonia