Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.: A Dark Chapter in Texas History Revisited
Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. was only 14 when he found himself drawn into the web of notorious Texas serial killer Dean Corll. In the early 1970s, Corll was known as the “Candy Man” in the Houston Heights area, charming young boys with gifts and a friendly demeanor. Henley’s neighbor, David Brooks, lured him to Corll’s home, where a dangerous conversation began.
Corll sparked a talk with Henley about local burglaries and surprisingly asked how he would defend himself if he had a knife. When pressed about whether anyone knew where he was, Henley mentioned his mother, an answer he later believed had saved his life that day.
Despite escaping Corll’s immediate grasp, Henley later became unknowingly involved in a string of horrific crimes. Alongside Brooks, he was connected to the disappearances and murders of many young boys. Corll, along with his accomplices, was linked to the tragic fate of at least 28 boys and young men between the ages of 13 and 20.
For the first time in decades, Henley is opening up about his past in a new documentary titled The Serial Killer’s Apprentice, which will air on Investigation Discovery. In conversations with forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Henley discusses his troubling experiences during this dark period.
Dr. Ramsland acknowledges the complexity of Henley’s situation. While he did participate in the crimes, she emphasizes that he was manipulated by a predator, putting him in a difficult position. She noted that Corll had a systematic way of grooming vulnerable children, including Henley and Brooks, to ensure their compliance.
Growing up, Henley faced his own set of challenges. Raised by his grandmother after his father abandoned the family, he struggled with issues like substance abuse. Deep down, Henley realized he needed to do something to stop Corll’s violent spree. During a confrontation with Corll, Henley shot and killed him, ultimately leading authorities to the graves of several victims.
Dr. Ramsland points out that unlike many criminals, Henley expressed remorse and confessed to his actions almost immediately after the incident. Though he played a role in the crimes, he willingly admitted to killing Corll, showing a degree of moral responsibility.
Now serving a life sentence for his involvement, Henley often reflects on his past and the consequences of his actions. He is aware that he may spend the rest of his life in prison but grapples with his feelings of guilt and punishment.
The documentary The Serial Killer’s Apprentice promises to shed light on Henley’s story and the chilling events that unfolded in Houston during a dark chapter of history. The premiere is set for Sunday, August 17, at 9/8c.
