Texas Oil Tycoon T. Cullen Davis Dies at 93
The wealthy businessman, acquitted in high-profile 1970s murder trials, passes away in Colleyville.
1Passing of a Tycoon
T. Cullen Davis, a prominent Texas oil magnate, has died at his home in Colleyville at age 93. His son, Trey Davis, confirmed the death on Monday. Davis was once recognized as the wealthiest individual to ever face a murder trial in the United States, commanding a massive oil-based fortune.
2The 1976 Mansion Shooting
In August 1976, a gunman attacked the Fort Worth mansion of Davis and his then-wife, Priscilla. The assailant killed 12-year-old Andrea Wilborn and 30-year-old Stan Farr. Priscilla Davis and visitor Gus Gavrel Jr. survived the attack, later identifying Cullen Davis as the shooter during the subsequent high-profile capital murder trial proceedings.
3Legal Battles and Acquittals
Defended by the renowned attorney Richard 'Racehorse' Haynes, Davis faced two separate trials regarding the mansion shooting. The first resulted in a mistrial due to juror misconduct, while the second ended in a 1977 acquittal. Davis consistently maintained his innocence throughout these proceedings, which garnered significant national media attention and public scrutiny.
4Murder-for-Hire Allegations
Nine months after his initial acquittal, Davis faced further legal jeopardy when arrested for solicitation of capital murder. An FBI informant alleged that Davis ordered the deaths of 15 people, including the judge overseeing his divorce. Davis was acquitted of these charges as well, again represented by his longtime attorney Richard Haynes.
5Collapse of Oil Empire
By the mid-1980s, the vast financial empire built by Davis began to disintegrate. He attributed the eventual bankruptcy of his company to the broader collapse of the oil industry rather than the financial strain of his legal battles. His wealth, once estimated at $400 million, vanished as market conditions shifted significantly.
6Cultural and Media Impact
The dramatic events surrounding the mansion shooting and the subsequent trials inspired numerous books and true-crime television programs. The 1995 miniseries 'Texas Justice' famously depicted the saga, starring Heather Locklear as Priscilla Davis. These portrayals cemented the case as a staple of American true-crime history for several decades following the events.
7Personal Life and Conversion
Priscilla Davis passed away from breast cancer in 2001 at age 59. According to his son Trey, Cullen Davis underwent a profound personal transformation in 1981 after converting to Christianity. Trey described his father as a man who evolved from a caustic personality into one defined by integrity, grit, and humility.
8Legacy of the Trials
The life of T. Cullen Davis remains a complex intersection of extreme wealth, violent crime, and legal controversy. His death marks the final chapter for a figure whose life was defined by the 1970s trials. The case continues to be studied as a landmark example of high-stakes litigation in the American judicial system.
Original article: ABC News – Top Stories — Texas Oil Tycoon T. Cullen Davis Dies at 93