Photo Courtesy of The US Military – US Military, Public Domain
In the early 1970s, Houston, Texas, became the backdrop for a string of horrific crimes that would shock the nation. Dean Corll, later known as the “Candy Man,” was responsible for the brutal killings of at least 28 young boys. Corll’s crimes remain among the most notorious in U.S. history. With the help of two teenage accomplices, he targeted boys in the Houston area, leaving a legacy of terror that still haunts Texas.
Who Was Dean Corll?
Dean Corll grew up in Houston and worked at his family’s candy factory. Because of his job, Corll often handed out free candy to local children, earning him the nickname “Candy Man.” To most, Corll appeared friendly and helpful, but beneath the surface, he harbored a disturbing secret.
In 1970, Corll formed relationships with two local teenage boys, David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley. Over time, these young men became his accomplices, luring unsuspecting boys into Corll’s trap.
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The Beginning of the Houston Mass Murders
The murders began in 1970. Corll would invite boys into his home under the guise of friendship, offering them food, alcohol, or drugs. Once they were inside, however, the situation took a dark turn. Corll would tie up his victims and commit unspeakable acts before ultimately killing them. With the help of his teenage accomplices, Corll buried many of the bodies in remote areas, including beaches and a boat shed he rented.
Corll’s Teenage Accomplices
David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley played key roles in Corll’s crimes. Brooks met Corll in the mid-1960s, when he was only 12. By 1970, he had become an active participant, helping lure boys into Corll’s home. Henley joined the scheme later, allegedly enticed by the money Corll offered him for each boy he brought.
Initially, Henley thought Corll’s motives were solely financial, believing Corll was involved in a human trafficking ring. But eventually, he learned Corll was murdering the boys, yet he continued to help. Over time, Henley became a fully willing accomplice, drawing more victims into Corll’s web of terror.
The Horrifying Extent of the Crimes
Between 1970 and 1973, Corll and his accomplices were responsible for the deaths of at least 28 boys. This figure makes the case one of the most prolific and gruesome serial killings in U.S. history. The victims, mostly teenagers, were abducted from neighborhoods around Houston Heights, a working-class area where many boys vanished without a trace. Families searched desperately for their sons, but most had no idea of the horror unfolding in their own community.
The End of Dean Corll’s Reign of Terror
Dean Corll’s crimes came to an end on August 8, 1973. That night, Henley brought two friends, Rhonda Williams and Tim Kerley, to Corll’s home. Corll was enraged that Henley had brought a girl, and an argument broke out. During the confrontation, Corll attempted to kill Henley and his two friends. In a desperate moment, Henley managed to grab Corll’s gun and shot him six times, killing him.
After Corll’s death, Henley confessed everything to the police. Investigators uncovered the bodies of Corll’s victims, and the true extent of his crimes shocked the nation. Corll was dead, but his teenage accomplices faced justice for their roles in the murders.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Following Corll’s death, both David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley were arrested and convicted of multiple murders. Henley was sentenced to six consecutive life terms, while Brooks received a life sentence. They remain in prison to this day.
The case left lasting scars on the Houston community. Many families struggled to process the loss of their sons, and the city mourned for the young lives cut short. The Houston Mass Murders also revealed critical issues in police response and missing persons investigations, especially in cases involving young boys from lower-income families. The tragedy helped bring attention to these issues and led to calls for improved procedures in handling missing persons cases.
Why Was Dean Corll Called the “Candy Man”?
Dean Corll’s nickname, “Candy Man,” came from his family’s candy business. Corll often gave away candy to local children, a seemingly harmless act that gained dark undertones after his crimes came to light. Corll’s status as the “Candy Man” became a symbol of betrayal, showing how a person who seemed friendly and kind could harbor unimaginable evil.
Lessons Learned and Continuing Impact
The case of Dean Corll is a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable communities. Corll preyed on young boys, many of whom came from difficult backgrounds and had few adults looking out for them. The Houston Mass Murders highlighted the need for better child protection policies and more attention to cases involving young runaways and disappearances.
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For true crime enthusiasts and psychologists alike, Corll’s case remains a source of study and discussion. His actions are a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind a seemingly ordinary facade, and his story continues to captivate those interested in understanding the minds of serial killers.
Conclusion
The horrifying story of Dean Corll, Houston’s “Candy Man,” will forever be remembered as one of Texas’ darkest moments. His actions, alongside the involvement of his teenage accomplices, left a lasting scar on the Houston community. Today, the case serves as both a grim reminder and a call to action, urging society to remain vigilant and protective of those who are most vulnerable.
The Houston Mass Murders may have come to a close in 1973, but the impact of Dean Corll’s crimes endures. For the families affected, for the Houston community, and for all who hear his story, Corll’s actions represent a tragic chapter in true crime history.
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.
