Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, Whose High-profile Clients Included Oil Millionaire Cullen Davis, Dies at 90

Richard "Racehorse" Haynes parlayed his dislike for bullies and passion for fighting other people's battles into a legendary career as a criminal-defense attorney.The flamboyant trial lawyer is known for successfully defending clients charged with murder in high-profile, headline-grabbing cases. Not one of the 40 clients he represented who faced capital punishment was sentenced to death.Haynes, 90, died Friday in hospice care in Livingston.Haynes' most sensational cases became three books, two movies and a Broadway play. His clients included T. Cullen Davis, the oil millionaire charged with the 1976 death of his 12-year-old stepdaughter, one of two people killed in a shooting at his Fort Worth mansion. Haynes also represented John Hill, a Houston plastic surgeon charged with killing his wife in 1969.Critics contended that Haynes got his clients off by simply confusing juries with mounds of testimony."I can't permit myself the luxury of having it matter to me whether they are guilty or not," he said in 1986. "The system, for it to work, has to have lawyers."I never think in terms of "getting people off. I always think in terms of the prosecution's presentation did not persuade the jury beyond a reasonable doubt. as the law obligates them to do before they can convict."In the 1970s, Haynes had clients address the jury after trial. He changed his policy after a shocking statement to the jury from a client who had been acquitted."Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank each and every one of you," the client said. "And I promise you that I will never, ever do it again."Haynes' colorful flair often added to the spectacle of his high-profile cases. He added a western hat and ostrich cowboy boots to accent his customary pin-striped suit. He admitted to "popping off" to the news media in order to help his clients.  Continue reading...