Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten, Episode 13 — "RIP, E. Ray"

Date: March 10, 2025
Hosts: Carol Dawson & Wes Ferguson
Topic: New developments in the 1993 murder case of Shelley Watkins, focused on the passing of former DA E. Ray Andrews and how his legacy of corruption reshaped the pursuit of justice.

Episode Overview

This bonus episode of The Unforgotten revisits the unresolved murder of Shelley Watkins in Corsicana, Texas, with a particular focus on the recent death of E. Ray Andrews, the former Henderson County District Attorney. Andrews’s involvement in a public corruption scandal that derailed the murder prosecution is dissected, as the hosts discuss how new opportunities may arise now that federal files about Andrews are accessible. The episode combines narrative, analysis, and an extended interview with Mike Head, E. Ray’s former assistant DA, to unpack the interconnected stories of corruption, legal intrigue, and the ongoing search for justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Announcement: The Death of E. Ray Andrews

• Confirmation of Death: After months of uncertainty, the hosts confirm Andrews passed away on December 30, last year ([00:17]).
• Significance: Andrews’s death allows Carol and Wes to refile FOIA requests with the FBI for previously inaccessible case files ([00:40]).
• Quote:

  "Now that E. Ray has died ... we were able to resubmit our request for all the case files from the FBI." — Wes Ferguson [00:41]

2. Who Was E. Ray Andrews?

• Background: Former DA for Henderson County, moving in political circles extending beyond his jurisdiction ([01:53]).
  • Notorious for corruption, including taking bribes to resolve DUI cases and embezzling funds meant for staff.
  • Described as smart and charismatic, but plagued by gambling, alcohol, and drug problems ([03:05]).
  • Notable for hiding his absences and erratic behavior, covered up by staff like Assistant DA Mike Head ([03:24]).
• Handling of the Shelley Watkins Case:
  • Pushed hard for Jerry Mack Watkins's indictment despite only circumstantial evidence ([03:53]).
  • Indictment brought in December 1993; trial scheduled for August 1994 ([06:37]).

3. The Bribery and Corruption Scandal

• Scheme’s Genesis ([07:21]-[12:22]):

  • In July 1994, while under investigation, Andrews became involved in a plan to solicit a bribe (initially a million dollars) in exchange for dismissing the murder case.
  • Disagreements exist over who truly orchestrated the scheme: Andrews, accomplices, or possibly someone from Jerry Mack’s camp.
  • The FBI and Texas Rangers set up a sting with Jerry Mack cooperating as an informant and wearing a wire.
  • The bribery attempt led to the arrests of Andrews and two co-conspirators; Jerry Mack’s murder trial was indefinitely set aside ([12:22]-[14:23]).

• Impact on the Murder Case:

  • The focus shifted from prosecuting the actual murder to exposing the DA’s corruption.

  • "The case got completely deflected thanks to this bribery scheme." — Carol Dawson [12:08]

  • Indictment and prosecution for Shelley’s murder were suspended, never to be resumed ([14:42]).

4. The Missing Evidence Mystery

• Destruction of Evidence: Key exhibits from the murder case disappeared from court files, likely at Andrews's or an ally’s behest ([17:56]-[19:02]).
• Significance: Hindered any future attempt at prosecution.
• Quote:

  "Those were missing. Somebody had come in and removed them. And it would make sense that E. Ray was the one who trashed those pages…" — Wes Ferguson [18:53]

5. Why the Origins of the Bribery Scheme Matter

• The origins of the scheme matter not just to complete the story, but because the scandal was weaponized to suspend the prosecution, denying justice for Shelley ([19:46]).
• Both hosts and sources disagree about who initiated the bribery plan.

6. Extended Interview: Mike Head, Former Assistant DA ([20:44]-[32:24])

Reflections on E. Ray Andrews

• Personal Viewpoint: Head saw Andrews as a mentor and talented lawyer “when he wasn’t drinking,” compassionate to those in need ([21:20]-[22:30]).
• Descent: Blames the ultimate downfall on Andrews’s alcoholism, which made him vulnerable to bad judgment and manipulation ([22:49]).
• Quote:

  “Tragic to me that he wasn't able to overcome that ... I think he, number one, was a very skilled and talented lawyer, but also ... a very compassionate, caring person who did a lot to help people who were poor or in need.” — Mike Head [21:20]

• Responsibility for the Bribery Scheme:
  • Head doesn’t believe Andrews originated the bribery scheme; the FBI report shows he became ensnared while inebriated and didn't follow through when sober ([22:59]-[25:14]).
  • Raises the theory someone in Jerry Mack’s circle planted the idea ([25:39]).

Critique of Law Enforcement Decisions

• Key Issue: FBI struck a deal with Jerry Mack—he’d help nab the DA, but they would not press him about his wife’s murder ([28:00]-[28:13]).

• “To me, that’s just really unbelievable that they would do that.” — Mike Head [28:00]

• Head expresses disbelief that federal authorities would jeopardize a murder investigation to prosecute a DA.
• Wonders openly why Jerry Mack wasn’t forced to cooperate in the murder inquiry as part of the sting.

On Legacy

• Forgiveness and Regret:
  • Head expresses sadness at E. Ray’s wasted potential.
  • Notes both the good and catastrophic aspects will define Andrews’s legacy ([32:24]).

7. Reflections on Corruption and Small-Town Politics

• Carol’s Summary:

  • Andrews’s gambling connected him to the Watkinses via the “Poker Queen of Texas,” further entwining local power, vice, and crime ([33:12]).
  • His downfall revealed and sullied the reputation of Athens and Henderson County ([34:23]).

• Quote:

  “He certainly did publicly expose the city of Athens and Henderson county as a potentially very corrupt political infrastructure.” — Carol Dawson [34:05]

8. New Developments: Jerry Mack Watkins's Recent Actions

Reported by Carol Dawson ([34:55]-[41:25]):

• Massive Equipment Sale: Jerry Mack sold millions in construction equipment in December, highly unusual, fueling suspicions of financial maneuvering possibly tied to fears of renewed legal scrutiny.
• Sudden Repayment of Old Debts: He’s settled longstanding debts, changing patterns from years of disregard.
• Uncharacteristic Philanthropy: Engaging in local charitable giving for the first time.
• Possible Explanation: Community members suspect moves are aimed at improving public image or preparing for major changes.

Quote:

“For him to suddenly divest that much equipment ... suggests that he is making certain arrangements or changes in the company and perhaps in his own life.” — Carol Dawson [39:33]

9. Continuing the Quest for Justice & Public Interest

• The podcast and case are receiving renewed media coverage, keeping public attention alive ([41:58]-[42:37]).
• Hosts encourage continued communication from listeners and reiterate their commitment to truth and justice for Shelley ([43:51]).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “...the bribery scheme got set in motion ... and at a certain point ... the sting operation had already been set in motion and concluded. E. Ray got arrested. The two guys involved in the bribery scheme also got arrested ... And the murder case got completely deflected.” — Carol Dawson [11:47]
• Mike Head’s candor on E. Ray’s two sides:
  “I never saw the side of him that I’ve heard described ... but I just think it was sad that he was never able to overcome that.” [21:20]
• Curt summary of law enforcement priorities:

  "That law enforcement would prioritize taking down some small time, petty, crooked politician as opposed to seeing through this murder case." — Wes Ferguson [14:42]

Important Timestamps

• 00:17 – Announcement of E. Ray Andrews’s death, impact on case file accessibility
• 01:53 – Who was E. Ray Andrews? Corruption background detailed
• 07:21 – Segue into bribery scheme and its timeline
• 12:22 – Recap of the official FBI story and Jerry Mack’s role
• 14:42 – Why the murder case was abandoned in favor of going after the DA
• 20:44 – Mike Head call begins
• 22:49 – Mike Head’s personal reflection on Andrews’s drinking and dual nature
• 28:00 – FBI’s deal with Jerry Mack: focusing on DA corruption, not the murder
• 32:24 – Reflections on E. Ray’s legacy
• 34:55 – Jerry Mack Watkins’s recent financial activity and speculation
• 41:58 – Media coverage and ongoing updates

Tone & Style

• Conversational with candid, sometimes wry observations.
• Earnest commitment to transparency, community, and the pursuit of long-overdue justice.
• The hosts manage skepticism and empathy, reflecting small-town complexity and personal investment.

Conclusion

This episode leverages the passing of a controversial figure to seek long-withheld records, revisits the multi-layered scandal that derailed a murder case, and probes the shifting behavior of its central suspect. Through archival research, first-hand accounts, and pointed reflections, The Unforgotten keeps the flame of accountability alive—and the potential for justice in front of a public audience.