Welcome to Freaky Friday! I promised in Wednesday’s review of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre that, today, I would talk about one of the criminals who inspired the movie. And I will.
Before we start, though, understand that this is very disturbing stuff. If you know me at all, you know I don’t say that often.
The other thing I want to say is that there is no way I can talk about every single aspect of this case. This post would be a hundred pages long if I did. Please peruse my sources if the case grabs your interest.
August 8, 1973 — The End
Around 8:30 a.m. officers responded to a hysterical call for help at 2020 Lamar Street in Houston, Texas.
2020 Lamar Street was the home of Dean Corll, a 33-year-old electrician who worked for Houston Power and Light. Mr. Corll was inside the house, dead from six gunshot wounds from a .22 caliber pistol.
The call for help had come from a teenager named Elmer Wayne Henley, who admitted to shooting Corll. He and the other two teenagers found at Corll’s house were taken to the police station for questioning.
Detectives arrived to search the house.
The Killing Room
Houston detectives made a shocking discovery behind the deceptively normal green and white facade of Dean Corll’s house.
The bedroom probably shocked them the most. Its floor was covered with plastic sheeting. There was a board which had handcuffs, ropes, and cords attached to it. This board later became known as the torture board.
A chilling array of items littered the floor. Detectives recovered a bayonet style knife, a dildo, petroleum jelly, glass tubes, and tape.
The weird didn’t stop there. In the backyard, police found a plywood box. This box had air holes cut into it. Police found several strands of human hair in this box.
Is the hair on the back of your neck standing up yet?
Elmer Wayne Henley’s Bizarre Tale
While Houston Police Detectives walked through the spooky scene at 2020 Lamar Street, Elmer Wayne Henley was at the police station telling the craziest tale.
Henley said that Dean Corll had been paying him and another teenage accomplice named David Brooks to procure boys and young men. Corll would then rape, torture, and kill the young men.
But Dean Corll couldn’t have done…that
As soon as Dean Corll’s mother and stepfather learned of Dean’s murder, they assured police that Dean couldn’t have been involved in something like that. Dean was a good man who helped people, a man who befriended wayward teenagers.
The short story of Dean Corll is that his parents divorced when he was young. His mother remarried and started a candy-making business with her new husband. Dean worked in the family business until he was drafted into the US Army.
Dean sought a hardship discharge from the US Army on the grounds that he was needed to help run the family candy-making business. He received an honorable discharge and was named vice-president of Corll Candy.
While he was in the US Army, Corll realized he was a homosexual and experienced his first homosexual encounters. Back home in Houston, Corll hid his homosexuality and even had a longtime girlfriend.
Dean Corll was a man who was known to be generous and helpful to people in need. He passed out candy to neighborhood children who nicknamed him The Candy Man and The Pied Piper. He gave away TVs, money, and seemed to really care about the well-being of other people.
In 1968, when Corll Candy closed, Dean Corll went to work for Houston Power and Light. The community knew him as nothing more than an honest, hardworking man.
Thus, Wayne Henley’s talk about Dean Corll being a murderer didn’t sound quite right. Had the police not found the weird room in Corll’s house with plastic covering the floor, they might have dismissed Henley as a liar. But they kept digging.
The Dark Side of Dean Corll
Dean’s favorite recipients of candy were teenaged boys. He seemed to really enjoy their company and put a pool table in the candy factory so he and his teenaged friends would have a hang-out.
It is important to note that Dean Corll was in his mid-to-late twenties while he was doing all this hanging out with teenagers. During this period, he was also accused of flirting with young male employees of Corll Candy.
One of Dean Corll’s young friends was named David Brooks. Dean wooed David and eventually paid the youth for sexual favors. David and Dean kept up their friendship until the time of Dean Corll’s death.
In 1971, David Brooks introduced Dean Corll to another teenaged boy named Elmer Wayne Henley. The two young men became Dean Corll’s partners in crime.
The Missing Boys
Starting in September of 1970, teenaged boys began disappearing. By August 1973–when Dean Corll was shot to death–twenty-eight boys had disappeared. Twenty of them were from the Heights area of Houston, Texas.
The missing boys ranged in age from 13-years-old to 20-years-old. Most of them were written off as runaways by police.
Some of the parents of missing boys received phone calls and cryptic postcards (ostensibly from their sons) saying that they boys had left to pursue jobs or to travel the country.
Many of the families of these young men knew their sons did not run away. They searched for their missing loved one and conducted their own investigations. They held out hope.
That all changed on August 8, 1973.
Unmarked Graves
With the help of Elmer Wayne Henley and David Brooks, police located where Dean Corll had been stashing his victims’ remains.
Some of the corpses were buried in the dirt floor of a Houston area boat shed rental. Others were buried in a wooded area near a cabin Corll’s family owned at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is about two hours north of Houston. Some of the victims were buried on High Island.
The corpses had been buried in plastic sheeting. Lime had been sprinkled over some of them to speed decomposition.
Some of the bodies still had tape over their mouths, rope around their wrists and ankles. Some had rope around their necks. A few had bullet holes in their heads.
These boys–someone’s son or brother, loved and missed by their families–had been used up and thrown away like trash.
The Murders
Dean Corll had a system.
Elmer Wayne Henley and/or David Brooks lured potential victims into Dean Corll’s vehicle. The victims were not all strangers. Some of the victims were friends of Henley or Brooks. Two of them were former employees of Corll Candy.
Once in the vehicle, the victims were subdued with alcohol or drugs. Some victims, however, were simply tricked into putting on handcuffs.
The victims were taken to Corll’s home, stripped of their clothes, and restrained either on the torture board or Corll’s bed. Some of the boys were forced to write a postcard or call their parents and lie about their whereabouts.
With all loose ends tied up, the torture began.
Corll would pull out the boys’ pubic hair. He inserted a glass rod into the penis of some of his victims. Usually, Corll would force a large dildo into his victim’s rectum. He raped them. Sometimes for days.
Once Dean Corll was done with his toy, he’d either strangle the boy or shoot him in the head.
Elmer Wayne Henley and/or David Brooks would then help Corll remove the corpse from his property and bury it at one of his three dump spots.
Had enough yet? It was hard enough to write, and I’m sure it’s hard to read. I’ll be quick about the last.
The Aftermath
Elmer Wayne Henley and David Brooks were tried separately for the part they played in Dean Corll’s crimes.
Elmer Wayne Henley was convicted of six murders and sentenced to six consecutive 99-year terms. I read somewhere that he’d come up for parole but had been denied. He’s still in prison.
David Brooks was convicted of one murder and sentenced to life in prison. He has also been up for parole and has been denied. He’s still behind bars.
The two young men–Henley and Brooks–were from broken homes but neither were considered troublemakers. Corll himself was well thought of in the community. They hid in plain sight. The murders only came to light when they did because Elmer Wayne Henley shot Dean Corll.
Another thing to think about is that only twenty-eight victims are known. One of them was only discovered very recently. It is possible there were more than that.
If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy my fiction. Please take a moment to check it out either on my Looking For More? page or on my Amazon Author Page. I write both horror and paranormal mystery fiction. The topics I research for this blog serve as my inspiration.
Sources:
“The Lost Boys” by Skip Hollandsworth (Texas Monthly, April 2011)
“A Closer Look at one of Dean Corll’s Victims” by Skip Hollandsworth (Texas Monthly, April 2011)
Interview with Elmer Wayne Henley (via You Tube)
David Brooks’s Confession read by computer voice software (via You Tube)
Dean Corll by Marilyn Bardsley
Local Filmmaker Discovers Unknown Dean Corll/Elmer Wayne Henley Victim
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Julie Glover said:
Man’s capacity for inhumanity right here. I can’t imagine abusing someone in that way. Moreover, I can’t imagine the three of them conspiring to do this. It just boggles my mind and pricks my heart. Thanks for telling the story, though, Catie. I think it’s important for us not to forget the victims and their families and to have compassion for them in the midst of this horror.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I am always amazed at how people can do this stuff to each other. I understand rage killings. I don’t understand this. How “wrong” can the human mind be?
As I read the documentation on this case, I felt so sad and sorry for both the victims and for their families. It was just heartbreaking.
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Shannon Esposito said:
It’s hard enough to imagine one human being doing this. He had to be insane…but to recruit these two boys as accomplices? How does this happen? How did he twist their minds, souls and reality so easily that they would take part in this? Are we really that mallable? Unbelievable.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I think we are really that malleable. Both of Corll’s recruits were teenagers when they first met him. Both boys came from broken homes. It is possible they had little positive adult influence. So I think it would be scarily easy to influence someone like that.
But, yes, it is horrifying. Thanks for commenting.
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alandhopewell said:
I remember when this was in the news, and reading a “true crime” book about it, years later. The human capacity for evil is staggering, yet we see in these people someone who, but for a twist or two of fate, might have been us.
I served time with a fellow who I saw daily, spoke with, who just had that “YEEEE-” feeling about him; had they asked me, I would’ve said, “Don’t let him out, please!”
Me, they didn’t ask….
http://www.cleveland.com/anthony-sowell/
The monsters are everywhere-we see them, talk to them, sometimes, are them.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I have not read any of the true crime books about this case. A Houston filmmaker has made a documentary I’d love to see, but it is not yet available.
I have met people who made my skin crawl, but it’s a learned thing. When I was younger, I couldn’t sense them. I’m getting better. I guess that’s one positive side effect of the crow’s feet and gray hairs?
I can’t believe you knew that guy. Eeep.
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Natalie Hartford said:
Skin crawling, tummy turning sick. It continues to boggle my mind that people like this exist out in the world; torturing and killing others. Why not just off yourself if you can’t stop? It’s so disgusting and sad. But like Julie, I do appreciate you sharing the story because it is important to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts…
Wow….disturbing to say the least!
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Catie Rhodes said:
There were times as I wrote this that the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I’d walk away and come back and start again.
As for this: “Why not just off yourself if you can’t stop?”
I wonder if they think what they are doing is wrong. I read a book about psychopaths that said they (the psychopath) knows they will get into trouble for what they doing, knows it is against society’s laws/mores. They just don’t care because they don’t think it’s wrong.
Thanks for commenting.
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Rhonda Hopkins said:
Why did Henley shoot Corll? Did I miss that part? Evil is definitely a real thing. I can’t fathom how these two boys could lure people they consider friends into a situation to be tortured and killed. Hopefully they’ll never get out because obviously they have something very wrong with them and should never be among society again. Another intriguing case, Catie.
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Catie Rhodes said:
You didn’t miss that part. I didn’t include it because I could’t find a way to write it in a brief way that still made sense . Elmer Wayne Henley shot Dean Corll over a girl whom Corll wanted to kill but who Henley did not want killed. Did I say that right? Does it make sense? If not, let me know, and I’ll try again.
As for Henley and Brooks getting out, I wonder how long they’d survive on the streets. There are a lot of people around Houston who still remember this.
Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Rhonda Hopkins said:
Yep. Made sense. Thanks for clearing it up for me.
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Tiffany A White said:
Good question, Rhonda. And all I can say is at least it all finally came to an end…
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sheridegrom - From the literary and legislative trenches. said:
Catie, this is a tough case to roll around in my mind and think about. Your examination of extensive research never fails to amaze me.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Thanks for the compliment on my work, Sheri. This stuff, while disgusting, is fascinating to me.
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Tiffany A White said:
This is seriously disturbing… and this kind of stuff rarely bothers me. Well, the crimes bother me, but I can usually stomach the gore. What these three men/boys did to other boys is disgusting. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this, especially being from Texas.
As usual, GREAT post, Catie.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Glad you enjoyed the post, Tiffany. I had been aware of this for some time, but I had never put any studying into it until now. The horror! The horror!
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alandhopewell said:
Some folks believe that evil is just what people do, or that it’s the result of need, or poverty….evil IS. It exists independently of man, but finds in man its greatest vessel for expression.
We wonder, at times, about the seductiveness of evil, how people are drawn into Manson families or Nazi parties-it’s simple; we bear the seeds of evil, and like calls to like.
The Scriptures speak of our sin nature, and this is the part that hears the succubal song of evil….some can resist, but some can’t, and some don’t want to. We want our books balanced, our wounds salved, our slights redressed, and evil promises us this….for a price.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I like this Alan. I don’t have an intelligent comment or anything to add to it, but I liked reading it. Good words.
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ted said:
Succubal song of evil — two thumbs up for that one!
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David N. Walker said:
This is one of the times I sorta wish the Constitution didn’t ban cruel and unusual punishment.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Horrible, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by.
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John said:
Great article. The term serial killer had not yet been coined yet. The public (and the victims) were ignorant to such sick shenanigans. These guys killed so many that even they are not sure of an accurate body count. The moral to the story is… As always.. Don’t take candy from strangers!
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Catie Rhodes said:
Don’t take candy from strangers! Love it!
As I researched this, the news reports kept calling this a “mass murder.” I kept thinking, “this is not a mass murder.” Then, I finally read something that said the term serial killer was not yet in use. I’ll tell you one thing. The term “serial killer” was meant for these guys.
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Louise Behiel said:
thanks for the info, as disgusting as it was. I can’t believe those 2 boys helped him. weird.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I can’t believe they helped him either. Why they did is beyond my understanding.
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Jenny Hansen said:
Catie, this is SO well written. You know I have a hard time with creepy, but you kept me riveted. Can’t wait to see you give Anne Rule a run for her money.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Jenny, thanks so much for your kind words. I am surprised you read this. Had we not been talking about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre this week, I am pretty sure I would not have researched and written it.
As for giving Ann Rule a run for her money, I am pretty sure I could not. But I do love imitating her. LOL
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pamelavmason said:
Ready to throw up now… ehrm… or take a shower.
Ew.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Alternate suggestion: Hide in your house and avoid people who offer free stuff like the plague.
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pamelavmason said:
LOL! Not happening!…
But I should give up the candy… hmmm.
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borntolie said:
You mentioned psychopaths earlier, though what you said brought to my mind what I’ve been reading about sociopaths. I don’t think it’s a matter of not caring, but the inability to care. It hasn’t come up in the research I’ve done very much, but in my own experience this comes in levels, but that’s probably a matter for another day. I think with some people they discover in themselves an emptiness when it comes to things that society says shouldn’t be done. They experiment with these things, and feel…nothing. This opens up doors, where they try more and more.
As for the accomplices…I’ve seen plenty of young people do things they knew to be wrong for a patron figure, especially when said patron figure has access to drugs/alcohol. I think using the term “friends” in regard to people in these positions is a mistake. When your committing crimes like this, you don’t have friends. You have people with different uses, but no friends.
Least that’s my two cents. Good topic Catie, I enjoyed learning about a new criminal.
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Catie Rhodes said:
This is an interesting point and one I had not thought. Perhaps there is just a void in a sociopath’s ability to care. The three sociopaths I’ve known were consummate users, liars, and con artists.
After I realized what these three people were and quit associating with them, I always believed they knew right from wrong and just chose not to care. That they were unable to care is interesting and a point I’ll have to ponder. Who knows? It might just help me when I write fictional villains.
You made another comment that I think ties back into sociopaths. It is true that they have no friends. They have uses for people and that is just it.
I agree with you about young people who will do anything for a patron figure–especially if drugs and alcohol are part of the equation. Then, when it’s over, many of them seem dazed as they are led away in handcuffs. I’ve also seen this with women who became the pawn of a sociopath.
I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for contributing.
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ted said:
This terrible triad turned child rape, torture and murder into an industry. Yes, Corll, Henley & Brooks, Incorporated. The scariest thing about them was that half of their crimes weren’t stranger/danger. Say you grew up with Henley and was his best friend. He invites you to a party and you go. He’s there along with another teenager and an older male. You’re laughing with them, huffing fumes and getting drunk. Then you pass out. And when you awake, you find yourself handcuffed to a torture board and the nightmare begins. Think of the stupid decisions we all make in our teens. That’s why this could happen to anyone.
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Catie Rhodes said:
I agree that it could happen to anyone. I tend to believe most of us are in a vulnerable situation at least once a day. Sometimes more. Often, we never realize it. Thanks for commenting.
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Stacy Green said:
Reblogged this on Stacy Green – Turning The Page and commented:
With Into The Dark’s blog tour in full swing, I’m going to be doing something different with Thriller Thursdays the next few weeks. A lot of the posts will be short and sweet, featuring unsolved crimes. Today I’m reblogging a great post by my friend and critique partner Catie Rhodes. It’s an intense but fascinating look into the dark minds behind the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
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Paul said:
Somehow found this site and glad I did. Very nicely written. Dean was a monster that couldn’t control himself.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Glad you enjoyed the article. There is supposedly a recent documentary about Corll by a Houston filmmaker. I’d love to see it but haven’t.
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Valentine said:
Hello Catie,
this murder case keeps me busy for 20 years since I first read about it in the Houston Chronicle on Aug. 8, 1993. I was 22 at the time and spent a few days in Houston (my origin is Germany). Reading this horror story in the paper and being only a few miles away from where it all happened was more than frightening – although 20 years had gone by.
Strange coincidence: I know there is no movie about this case, so I started to write a script last weekend. I searched the entire net, to find out, there is a movie coming up this year. Do you know anything about it and its director? Is it more fictional or more documentary?
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Catie Rhodes said:
This is a freaky case, one that leaves you looking over your shoulder. It all happened not all that far from where I live, too.
The film. The title of it is IN A MADMAN’S world, and it’s directed by Josh Vargas. According to IMDB, it’s in post production. If you want to watch a trailer, go to the film’s IndieGoGo site: . They have a six minute trailer.
I have no idea if the film is going to be a fictional representation of events. Sorry I don’t know more.
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Valentine said:
Thank you for providing the information! Will you go see it when it’s out? Don’t know if they’re gonna show it around here.
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Catie Rhodes said:
Yesterday, after you comment, I started digging and found this interview with Josh Vargas from one of the Houston TV Channels: . From the look of it, this documentary may be a more fictionalized account.
I probably won’t go see the movie when it comes out. Movie theaters and hordes of people make me sneeze. lol But I will look for the video.