Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, Legendary Houston Defense Attorney, Dies

HOUSTON, TX — Legendary Houston defense attorney Richard “Racehorse” Haynes died early Friday at the age of 90.

Haynes, who suffered for several years with declining health, enjoyed an incredible legal career that spanned more than 50 years.

The colorful attorney, who was known for his flamboyant legal style, served twice in the armed forces and was awarded for bravery during his Naval service at Iwo Jima in World War II. He also served as a U.S. army paratrooper.

He was born in San Antonio on April 3, 1927, to a working-class family.

As a child, he earned the name “Racehorse” from his peers as a junior high school football player.

Haynes worked in the Texas oilfields in his youth, before eventually attending law school at the University of Houston.

In 1971, Haynes’ defended Dr. John Hill, a River Oaks plastic surgeon who was indicted for murdering his socialite wife John Robinson-Hill, the daughter of oil tycoon Ash Robinson, in 1969.

Hill’s trial ended in a mistrial, and he was subsequently murdered in the doorway of his River Oaks mansion in 1972.

The Hill case generated enough notoriety that it became the subject of a book and movie, “Blood and Money.”

The case was only one of many that defined Haynes’ career as a defense attorney, who also defended Fort Worth millionaire T. Cullen Davis, who was accused of murdering his 12-year old step-daughter and his wife’s boyfriend in February 1977.

Davis was acquitted and still lives in Fort Worth.

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Haynes is survived by his children: daughter Ricki Haynes, and sons Blake and Slade Haynes, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Haynes was preceded in death by his wife Naomi, whom he was married to for more than 60 years, and his daughter Tracey.

Funeral arrangements for Haynes are pending.

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