Colin Davis Strikes Again: Fake Crack, a Doorbell & Fifty Years of Chaos | Brian Kendall | Case 13

Fifty years after Fort Worth’s most sensational double homicide case, hosts John Henry and Jake White sit down with Fort Worth Magazine executive editor Brian Kendall to unpack the scandalous trials of Cullen Davis, the Texas oil tycoon acquitted of murdering his stepdaughter and later charged with soliciting a hit on the judge in his case. Hear the inside story of how the team tracked down and unexpectedly met the now 92-year-old Davis at his home, plus a true crime last meal deep dive into death row inmate Charlie Brooks, wild undercover narcotics stories from Jake’s police career, and a preview of next month’s cover story on Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. A must listen for true crime fans and anyone fascinated by Fort Worth history, high society scandal, and investigative journalism.
00:00:00 – Introductions and Welcoming Brian Kendall
Hosts John Henry and Jake White welcome returning guest Brian Kendall to discuss the August cover story on the Cullen Davis trials.
00:02:26 – Fantasy Football Banter
The trio jokes about fantasy football leagues, draft strategies, and Jake’s winning streak.
00:06:08 – Last Meal Segment: Charlie Brooks
The hosts discuss Charlie Brooks, the first person executed by lethal injection, his crime, and his infamous last meal.
00:10:23 – Rating the Last Meal
The group eats and rates the steak-and-fries meal while riffing on death row food quality and Waffle House comparisons.
00:19:04 – Jake’s Undercover Drug Bust Story
Jake shares a wild narcotics story about a fake crack cocaine deal that went down in a Waffle House parking lot.
00:24:20 – Setting Up the Cullen Davis Case
The hosts transition into the main topic, recapping Cullen Davis’s 1977 acquittal and the subsequent solicitation of murder case.
00:29:33 – The Solicitation of Murder Trial
Deep dive into Davis’s bizarre defense, the FBI sting operation, and his eventual acquittal in Fort Worth.
00:36:56 – Crafting the Cover Story
Brian and John Henry describe how the idea for the story came together and the search for a compelling cover angle.
00:39:34 – Knocking on Cullen Davis’s Door
The hosts recount the surreal, unannounced visit to Cullen Davis’s home and meeting his wife Dana.
00:44:39 – Meeting Cullen Davis
A detailed, charming, and poignant account of finally meeting the now-elderly Cullen Davis face-to-face.
00:58:07 – Reaching Out to Trey Davis
Brian explains his attempt to interview Cullen’s adopted son Trey, who declined but sent a heartfelt email defending his father.
01:02:12 – Cullen Davis’s Wealth and Cultural Legacy
The group discusses Davis’s staggering historical net worth and compares the case’s cultural impact to O.J. Simpson and “Dallas.”
01:08:25 – Structuring the Story Under Deadline
Brian and John Henry reflect on the last-minute scramble to piece the story together before their print deadline.
01:11:19 – Looking Ahead: September Issue Preview
A look forward to next month’s cover story on Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and the city’s budget challenges.
01:13:36 – Sign-Off and Socials
The hosts wrap up the episode, thank Brian, and plug their social media channels.