Key Points to Know
- Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. was involved with Texas serial killer Dean Corll.
- Henley will speak publicly for the first time in 50 years in a new documentary.
- Corll, known as the “Candy Man,” killed at least 28 boys in the early 1970s.
In the early 1970s, boys began disappearing from a quiet neighborhood in Houston. Many thought the police labeled these cases as runaways, but the harsh reality was far more terrifying.
Dean Corll, a man who seemed normal and was known for giving out candy from his family’s factory, was hiding a dark secret. His actions came to light in August 1973 when it was revealed that with two teenage partners, Corll, dubbed the “Candy Man,” was responsible for the deaths of at least 28 boys in what is now referred to as the “Houston Mass Murders.”
Now, over five decades later, a new documentary titled The Serial Killer’s Apprentice takes a deep dive into the case. This film features an interview with Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., one of Corll’s accomplices, marking his first comments about the crimes in many years.
The documentary is set to air on Sunday, August 17, at 9/8c on Investigation Discovery. It will involve Henley in discussions with renowned forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, as they explore what led him to participate in such horrific acts.
In the trailer, Henley states, “I’m not trying to absolve myself of guilt. I’m trying to make people see the truth.” He, along with another teenager named David Brooks, lured boys to Corll’s home under the false promise of having fun. Later, it was reported that they received payments for bringing the victims.
The killing spree ended when a 17-year-old Henley shot Corll during a confrontation, claiming it was self-defense. When the police arrived, they found Henley near Corll’s body.
Investigators say that both Henley and Brooks helped them find burial sites for the victims, including locations in Pasadena and near Galveston.
Sadly, while most victims were identified, one remains unnamed. Authorities believe this “John Doe,” found in a boat storage area, was between 15 and 18 years old and had been dead for about a year before his body was discovered.
Henley and Brooks eventually pleaded guilty to their roles in the tragic events and received life sentences. In 2020, Brooks passed away in prison, while Henley continues to be denied parole.
The documentary will include archival footage and insights from the families of the victims, as well as local authorities and journalists who are still examining the repercussions of Corll’s actions even today.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice is produced for Investigation Discovery by Wolf Entertainment and aims to shed light on one of the darkest chapters in Texas history.
