David Owen Brooks: Accomplice in the Houston Mass Murders

Photo Courtesy of Texas Dept of Corrections

David Owen Brooks is a name linked to one of the most chilling crime cases in Texas history. As an accomplice to Dean Corll, Brooks played a key role in the Houston Mass Murders. These gruesome crimes claimed the lives of at least 28 young boys in the early 1970s. While Dean Corll orchestrated the killings, Brooks helped lure victims and cover up the atrocities.

Who Was David Owen Brooks?

David Owen Brooks was born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1955. He grew up in a troubled home and struggled academically. Seeking an escape, he often spent time away from home, roaming the streets of Houston.

Now on Amazon: The Candy Cards: The Shocking Story of Dean Corll

Brooks first met Dean Corll when he was just 12 years old. Corll, who worked at his family’s candy company, befriended Brooks by offering him candy and gifts. Over time, Corll gained Brooks’ trust and manipulated him into a dark and dangerous world.

Brooks’ Role in the Murders

By 1970, David Owen Brooks had become more than just a friend to Corll—he was an accomplice. Corll offered Brooks money for bringing boys to his home. Initially, Brooks believed the boys were being trafficked, but he later learned they were being murdered.

Shockingly, Brooks continued to assist Corll even after discovering the truth. Together, they targeted boys from Houston Heights, a working-class neighborhood where many young boys went missing. Brooks would lure the victims with promises of parties, alcohol, or drugs.

Once the boys were at Corll’s home, they were restrained, tortured, and killed. Corll often relied on Brooks to help dispose of the bodies. Most of the victims were buried in remote areas, including a rented boat shed.

The Houston Mass Murders

Between 1970 and 1973, Dean Corll, with the help of Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley, abducted and killed at least 28 boys. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 20. Many were friends or acquaintances of Brooks and Henley, making the betrayal even more horrific.

Now on Amazon: The Man with The Candy

The murders shocked the community, but for years, the crimes remained undetected. Families of the missing boys received little help from authorities, who often dismissed their concerns.

The End of the Killings

The Houston Mass Murders ended on August 8, 1973. On that day, Henley shot and killed Corll during a confrontation at his home. After Corll’s death, Henley confessed to the police, leading them to the burial sites of the victims.

Brooks was arrested shortly after Henley’s confession. He admitted to his role in the crimes, providing further details about the murders and his involvement.

Brooks’ Trial and Sentencing

David Owen Brooks was charged with multiple counts of murder. During his trial, the prosecution painted Brooks as a willing participant in Corll’s heinous acts. The defense argued that Brooks had been manipulated by Corll, who used money and threats to control him.

Now on Amazon: Houston Mass Murders – 1973: A True Crime Narrative

The jury found Brooks guilty of murder. In 1975, he was sentenced to life in prison. Brooks showed little emotion during the trial, a fact that further outraged the families of the victims.

Life in Prison

Brooks served his sentence in a Texas prison, where he remained for the rest of his life. He filed several appeals over the years, but all were denied. In prison, Brooks was often overshadowed by Henley, whose role in killing Corll drew more media attention.

David Owen Brooks died in prison on May 28, 2020, at the age of 65. He passed away from COVID-19 complications, leaving behind a dark legacy tied to one of the worst crime sprees in U.S. history.

Legacy of the Crimes

The Houston Mass Murders remain a horrifying chapter in American crime history. Brooks’ role as an accomplice to Corll highlights how manipulation and vulnerability can lead individuals down a path of unimaginable evil.

For the families of the victims, the pain of losing their loved ones endures. Many have worked tirelessly to keep their children’s memories alive, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.

Conclusion

David Owen Brooks’ life is a tragic tale of manipulation, betrayal, and complicity in one of the most gruesome crime cases ever. His role in the Houston Mass Murders reminds us of the devastating impact of unchecked power and influence.

While Brooks’ story ended in prison, the scars he helped create remain. The Houston Mass Murders continue to serve as a grim reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and ensuring justice for all.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.