Photo Courtesy of Texas Dept of Corrections
Elmer Wayne Henley is a name forever tied to one of the most horrific crime sprees in Texas history. Henley was a key accomplice to Dean Corll, the man behind the Houston Mass Murders of the early 1970s. Together, they lured boys into Corll’s deadly trap, leading to the deaths of at least 28 young victims. Though Henley eventually ended Corll’s reign of terror, his role in the crimes shocked the nation and led to his imprisonment.
Who Is Elmer Wayne Henley?
Elmer Wayne Henley was born in 1956 and grew up in Houston, Texas. Raised in a troubled household, Henley struggled in school and dropped out in the ninth grade. His family’s financial difficulties and his lack of direction made him vulnerable to manipulation. At 15, Henley met Dean Corll, a local man who would forever change his life.
Corll quickly took Henley under his wing, offering him money for small favors. At first, Henley believed he was helping Corll with harmless tasks. But it wasn’t long before Corll revealed his darker intentions.
How Henley Became an Accomplice
Henley joined Corll’s criminal scheme in 1972. Corll offered him $200 for each boy he brought to his home. Henley believed, at first, that the boys were being sold into human trafficking. But Corll later revealed that he was murdering them.
Shockingly, Henley continued to help Corll despite knowing the truth. He lured boys from the Houston Heights neighborhood, often targeting friends or acquaintances. Using promises of parties, drugs, or alcohol, Henley and Corll convinced the boys to come to Corll’s home. Once there, the victims were tied up and subjected to unimaginable horrors.
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David Owen Brooks, another teenage accomplice, also helped in the crimes. Together, Henley and Brooks assisted Corll in abducting and disposing of the victims. The bodies were buried in remote locations, including a rented boat shed.
Henley Turns on Corll
Henley’s relationship with Corll came to a dramatic end on August 8, 1973. That night, Henley brought two friends, Tim Kerley and Rhonda Williams, to Corll’s home for what they believed would be a party. Corll was enraged that Henley had brought a girl and demanded that Henley kill her and Kerley.
For the first time, Henley refused Corll’s orders. The argument escalated, and Corll threatened Henley with a gun. In a desperate act of self-defense, Henley grabbed the gun and shot Corll multiple times, killing him.
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Henley then called the police, confessing to the murder and revealing the horrors Corll had committed. This marked the end of the Houston Mass Murders and the beginning of Henley’s legal troubles.
Arrest and Trial
After Corll’s death, Henley provided investigators with detailed information about the murders. He led authorities to the burial sites, where the bodies of 28 victims were discovered. Despite his cooperation, Henley’s active role in the crimes could not be ignored.
In 1974, Henley stood trial for six counts of murder. The prosecution argued that Henley willingly participated in Corll’s crimes, luring boys to their deaths. The defense claimed that Henley was a victim of manipulation and feared for his life if he disobeyed Corll.
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The jury was unconvinced by Henley’s defense. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to six consecutive life terms.
Life in Prison
Henley is currently serving his sentence at the Mark W. Stiles Unit in Beaumont, Texas. Over the years, he has filed several appeals, all of which have been denied. Henley has claimed that he regrets his actions and wishes he could undo the harm he caused. In 2022, Henley requested compassionate release due to his declining health, but was once again declined.
In prison, Henley gained attention for an unusual hobby—painting. His artwork, often featuring bright and surreal imagery, has been sold to collectors. However, his attempt to profit from his notoriety has drawn criticism from victims’ families.
Legacy of the Crimes
The Houston Mass Murders remain one of the most horrifying cases in U.S. history. Henley’s role as an accomplice and later as Corll’s killer makes his story particularly complex. While some view him as a victim of Corll’s manipulation, others see him as equally culpable for the crimes.
Henley’s case highlights the devastating impact of manipulation, poverty, and a lack of guidance on young individuals. His actions, though influenced by Corll, ultimately caused irreparable harm to dozens of families.
Conclusion
Elmer Wayne Henley’s story is a chilling reminder of how ordinary individuals can become entangled in unspeakable evil. Though he ended Dean Corll’s deadly spree, Henley’s active participation in the Houston Mass Murders left a legacy of pain and loss. Today, his case serves as both a cautionary tale and a dark chapter in true crime history.
For the families of the victims, the pain of losing their loved ones remains. For society, the case of Elmer Wayne Henley is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting the most vulnerable.
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.
