Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., an accomplice to the Texas serial killer nicknamed the 'Candy Man', is speaking out for the first time in a new documentary detailing how he became wrapped up with a murderer.
Henley, now 69 years old, was only a teenager when he began working with Houston man Dean Corll, a local who was known for treating kids to candy from his family's factory.
Five decades on, he is now the subject of a true-crime documentary titled The Serial Killer's Apprentice, which details how, over the course of three years in the early 1970s, Henley helped Corll lure in teenagers and young men from nearby neighborhoods before they were murdered.
Henley was ultimately convicted of six murders, though Corll is believed to have killed at least 28 victims in total. It wasn't until 1973 that their spree came to an end when Henley killed Corll in a fight.
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After the serial killer was dead, Henley led police to the bodies of the boys he'd helped bury.
What did Henley and Corll do?
According to All That's Interesting, Henley met Croll at the age of 15 after befriending another teenager, 16-year-old David Owen Brooks.
Brooks introduced Henley to Corll, who Brooks had already known for years despite Corll being twice his age.
In a later confession, Henley explained that Corll told him about an organization he was involved with that trafficked boys and young men, saying: “Dean told me he would pay me $200 for every boy I could bring in and maybe more if they were really good-looking boys.”
When he needed money, Henley agreed to help. He and Corll drove around, 'looking for a boy', until they found a teen and Henley asked if he wanted to come and smoke weed with them.
The teen agreed, and after arriving back at Corll's apartment, Henley left. He later learned Corll had sexually assaulted and murdered the boy.
Henley didn't go to the police when he found out, but, along with Brooks, continued to find boys for Corll.
What is Henley saying about the crimes?
More than 50 years have passed since the killing spree, but Henley is speaking out now for the new Investigation Discovery (ID) documentary which is set to arrive on August 17.
In a trailer for the new documentary, the killer's 'apprentice' explains that he's 'not trying to absolve [himself] of guilt', but rather trying to 'make people see the truth'.
Henley describes how it felt to 'strangle somebody', saying: "It's memorable. It's poignant. I was horrified."
As well as centering on conversations with Henley, the documentary also features renowned forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, as well as interviews with law enforcement.
A statement from ID explains: "Over the course of two hours, Ramsland will work to delve into the mind of Henley — and what motivated him to act as an accomplice in such tragic, violent crimes."
Where is Henley now?
After confessing to his role in the deaths of Corll's victims, Henley was sentenced to life in prison. He remains behind bars, but is eligible for parole - something family members of the victims have criticized.
In an interview with Click2Houston, James Dreymala, the father of Corll's last known victim, Stanton, said of Henley's parole review: “You know it’s coming. You might as well prepare for it mentally, but what are you going to say? What are you gonna do? You’re going to tell the parole board exactly how you feel.”
After a request for compassionate release in 2022 was denied, Henley is now undergoing a new parole review, with a decision expected in the fall.
Brooks was also sentenced to life in prison for his involvement, and died behind bars in 2020.
Topics: Crime, Documentaries, US News
Emily Brown