Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten – Season 1, Episode 5: E. Ray the D.A.

Introduction

In Episode 5 of "The Unforgotten", titled "E. Ray the D.A.", hosts Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson delve deep into the tumultuous career of E. Ray Andrews, the former District Attorney (DA) of Henderson County, Texas. This episode unpacks Andrews' role in the high-profile Shelley Salter Watkins murder case, his personal struggles, ethical dilemmas, and eventual downfall. Through interviews, archival information, and compelling narratives, the hosts paint a comprehensive picture of a man whose ambition and vices led to both professional triumphs and personal catastrophes.

Meeting E. Ray Andrews

The episode opens with Dawson and Ferguson's attempt to interview the elderly E. Ray Andrews at a nursing home in East Texas. Initially appearing frail and uncooperative, Andrews sets the stage for the complexities surrounding his career and personal life.

• Carol Dawson (00:45): "Excuse me, Baylor Bear."
• E. Ray Andrews (01:35): "He was a good professor."

Their first interaction is brief, as Andrews is reluctant to discuss the Watkins case immediately, requesting to be contacted after Christmas.

Background of E. Ray Andrews

E. Ray Andrews, at 83 years old during the interview, is portrayed as a well-known yet controversial figure in Athens, Texas. Raised in the nearby town of Malakoff, Andrews built a reputation both as a competent defense attorney and a contentious public figure.

• Wes Ferguson (05:32): "There are families with very deep roots here. And you're kind of not from Athens until you've had two or three generations here."
• Carol Dawson (07:05): "He was a nice man. But no, I mean, I was a child. I probably didn't know."

Andrews' personal life is interwoven with his professional career, notably his close relationship with individuals like Mike Head and his interactions with notable residents such as Betty Lou Beets, the infamous "Black Widow."

The Betty Lou Beets Case and Ethical Dilemmas

One of the pivotal moments in Andrews' career was his involvement with Betty Lou Beets, a serial killer known for murdering multiple spouses. Andrews acted as her defense lawyer, leading to significant ethical conflicts.

• Carol Dawson (10:11): "Betty Lou Beets was convicted in 1985 of murdering her fifth husband, Dallas firefighter Jimmy Donbietz."
• E. Ray Andrews (11:50): "He had a lot of things going against him. I figured I could at least get a rich man, poor man conviction."

Andrews' decision to prioritize a lucrative media contract over his duty as a defense attorney resulted in the dismissal of Beets' conviction, only for it to be reinstated later. This case highlighted Andrews' willingness to compromise ethics for personal gain, contributing to his tarnished reputation.

Ascension to District Attorney and Professional Misconduct

Despite mounting ethical issues, Andrews leveraged high-profile cases to secure the DA position in Henderson County in 1992, defeating incumbent candidates with widespread support.

• Carol Dawson (12:06): "During lunch, he said how he was going to get rich on all this."
• Wes Ferguson (13:06): "He had quit drinking and was present in the office and then things kind of went off track when he really started drinking again."

Andrews' tenure as DA was marred by personal struggles with alcohol, gambling, and prescription drugs. His dependency negatively impacted his professional responsibilities, leading to erratic behavior and unethical practices within the office.

Downfall: Alcohol Abuse and Legal Troubles

Andrews' alcoholism became increasingly problematic, affecting his performance and leading to multiple incidents that drew unwanted attention.

• Wes Ferguson (16:09): "E. Ray loved to see his name in the paper and just enjoyed the media attention."
• Narrator (17:26): "One night, less than a year into E. Ray's term as district attorney, a police officer discovered E. Ray's 92 Oldsmobile wrecked and abandoned outside a gas station."

His reckless behavior culminated in a car accident and further ethical breaches, including financial misconduct. Andrews orchestrated schemes to cover his debts, such as manipulating bank loans and falsifying state fund usage, which eventually caught the attention of higher authorities.

Investigation and Exposure

As suspicions grew, local law enforcement and the Texas Attorney General's office launched investigations into Andrews' financial and professional misconduct.

• Wes Ferguson (28:35): "E. Ray was a really good defense attorney."
• Narrator (28:38): "One of his buddies would have a client, usually at DWI, and he'd come in and say, I'll just take care of it."

Investigators uncovered a web of deceit, including Andrews writing bad checks, misappropriating state funds, and engaging in illegal payments to cover misdemeanors. These revelations led to heightened scrutiny and the eventual unraveling of his career.

Final Interview and Reflections

Returning to Andrews for a second interview after three weeks, Dawson and Ferguson confront him with the gravity of his actions and their repercussions.

• E. Ray Andrews (31:03): "He had a lot of things going against him. I figured I could at least get a rich man, poor man conviction."
• Carol Dawson (31:56): "Did you think that they were trying to set you up?"
• E. Ray Andrews (32:01): "Well, yeah."

Andrews reflects on his aggressive prosecution style, hinting at ulterior motives rooted in personal desperation rather than genuine pursuit of justice. His acknowledgment of ethical lapses underscores the tragic decline from a respected attorney to a disgraced public official.

Conclusion

Episode 5 of "The Unforgotten" meticulously dissects the complex life of E. Ray Andrews, illustrating how personal vices and ethical compromises can derail a promising career. Through thorough research and engaging storytelling, Dawson and Ferguson provide listeners with an insightful examination of a man whose quest for redemption through high-profile cases ultimately led to his undoing. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition unchecked by integrity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• E. Ray Andrews (00:00): "Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the carton?"
• Carol Dawson (01:35): "I know what happened in that whole situation."
• Wes Ferguson (07:05): "I guess he was tall, slender, dressed kind of, I don't want to say shabby, but just kind of didn't put a whole lot of stock in his appearance."
• E. Ray Andrews (16:09): "E. Ray loved to see his name in the paper and just enjoyed the media attention."
• E. Ray Andrews (31:10): "He had a lot of things going against him. I figured I could at least get a rich man, poor man conviction."

For more insights and updates on "The Unforgotten," visit unforgottenpod.com.