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Elmer Wayne Henley’s Dark Past as an Accomplice to the ‘Candy Man’ Killer
At just 15 years old, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. unwittingly became an accomplice to one of America’s most infamous serial killers, Dean Corll, also known as the ‘Candy Man.’ Now 69 and serving a life sentence, Henley reveals his harrowing experiences in a new true-crime documentary titled ‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice,’ airing on Investigation Discovery.
A Unique Perspective from the Inside
In this documentary, Henley engages in revealing conversations with prominent forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland, who has studied his case extensively. This marks the first time in many decades that Henley has openly shared his thoughts and feelings regarding the murders and the circumstances leading up to them.
The Weight of Remorse
Katherine Ramsland discusses Henley’s emotional state as he reflects on his actions. She expresses her belief that he feels a deep sense of remorse for his involvement in the crimes.
She stated to Fox News Digital, “When Wayne looks back — and he doesn’t like to — he’s horrified. When we started talking, he would have nightmares.” Ramsland further mentioned that Henley experienced post-traumatic stress disorder after being imprisoned and struggles with his identity as a former accomplice.
A Troubled Childhood
Henley’s background plays a critical role in understanding his actions. He grew up in a dysfunctional home in Texas, raised by his grandmother after his father deserted the family. At the age of 14, he took a job at a gas station to support his struggling mother and his three younger siblings.
His life took a fateful turn one day when he skipped school to smoke marijuana and met David Brooks, an older teen who seemed to have an endless supply of money. This encounter would soon lead him down a dark path.
Meeting the Candy Man
Henley became intrigued when Brooks introduced him to his neighbor, Dean Corll. Known locally for his candy store and generous treats for children, Corll had a sinister side that few could imagine.
Corll made Henley an enticing offer regarding picking up runaway boys and sending them to California under the pretense of providing jobs as pool boys. “That’s a lot of money for a kid, a 15-year-old who’s making peanuts at a part-time job at a gas station,” Ramsland explained. Such offers seemed harmless to Henley, who thought everyone would benefit.
Engulfed in Terror
Despite his initial excitement, the situation escalated after Henley earned Corll’s trust. He picked up a young hitchhiker, not realizing the horror that awaited him.
“Corll kills the hitchhiker, not in front of Wayne, but he told him, ‘That guy died, and you were a part of that, and now you have to do what I say,’” Ramsland recounted. Faced with this terrifying revelation, Henley grappled with the realization that his life was in danger. Corll threatened him with the existence of a trafficking syndicate that would harm him if he tried to escape.
The Disappearance of Innocent Lives
Between 1970 and 1973, numerous boys and young men vanished from Houston Heights, a phenomenon that many parents reported but was often dismissed by law enforcement as typical runaway cases. Unfortunately, no one suspected the chilling reality that was hidden behind closed doors.
According to Ramsland, Corll was a sadist who enjoyed torturing his victims. “He looked for kids to torture. He is one of the worst in terms of what he did,” she recounted, explaining how Corll sometimes kept victims for several days while tormenting them both physically and psychologically.
The Climactic Ending
The reign of terror came to a head in August 1973. Henley, who had brought a girl and another child to Corll’s house, managed to convince Corll to let him and the children go. However, when Corll attempted to attack, Henley took drastic action.
With a gun taught to him by Corll, Henley shot the 33-year-old killer. This act of desperation not only saved his life but ultimately led to the discovery of the bodies of Corll’s victims buried in remote locations.
The Aftermath and Accountability
Over the following days, investigators uncovered 16 bodies, all part of a horrific string of murders that included at least 28 boys and young men aged 13 to 20. Many of the victims were lured under false promises by Henley and Brooks, who received payment for their deeds.
Henley initially confessed to directly participating in the murders while grappling with immense feelings of fear regarding repercussions from Corll.
Reflections on Guilt and Consequences
As a result of their crimes, Henley and Brooks received life sentences. Brooks passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.
Ramsland analyzes Henley as both a victim and a perpetrator, shedding light on the complexities of individuals involved in such gruesome acts. She claims that the study of Henley’s situation is crucial, as more cases like this could emerge in the future.
The Lasting Impact of a Dark Legacy
Ramsland emphasizes the significant psychological burden Henley carries. “He wanted to be a minister, but he doesn’t know what to think of himself now,” she stated, encapsulating his ongoing struggle with guilt and redemption.
Ultimately, the chilling story of Elmer Wayne Henley serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the darkness that can lie hidden beneath a seemingly normal facade.
