Elmer Wayne Henley, born May 9, 1956, in Houston, Texas, had what seemed to be an ordinary life at first. He was just another kid trying to navigate his way through adolescence. Things took a dark turn when he befriended David Brooks, a year older and a fellow truant.
Henley’s life changed significantly when he got to know Dean Corll through Brooks. Corll, an older man with a mysterious air, gradually became part of Henley’s life. Initially, Henley was oblivious to the sinister nature of Corll’s relationship with Brooks. Henley admired Corll’s work ethic but had suspicions about his sexuality, thinking Brooks might be doing something shady for money.
Henley’s suspicions were somewhat confirmed when, almost two years later, during a confession, he admitted to detectives that Brooks had lured him to Corll’s house with the promise of a ‘deal’ for easy money. When Henley got there, Corll told him about a supposed child sex slavery ring based in Dallas and offered Henley $200 for every boy he could bring.
Though initially ignoring Corll’s twisted offer, Henley eventually accepted in early 1972. Financial desperation was a factor, but Henley’s subsequent actions suggest there might have been more to his decision.
Henley’s descent into darkness began almost immediately. He joined Corll in his Plymouth GTX, driving around to ‘look for a boy.’ They found one, invited him to smoke pot, and drove back to Corll’s apartment. Henley left, expecting the boy would be sold as part of Corll’s fictitious organization, but the reality was far more gruesome. The boy was assaulted and murdered.
Despite learning the horrific truth, Henley continued helping Corll and Brooks abduct and murder other youths. He lured victims to Corll’s home with promises of a good time, leading to their tragic end.
Things took a dramatic turn when Henley, during one of these awful episodes, was confronted by one of the victims, Tim Kerley, who questioned if this was real. Henley, seemingly pushed beyond his limits, grabbed a gun and told Corll he’d gone too far. Corll, fearless, urged Henley to kill him. Henley shot him multiple times until Corll was dead.
With Corll gone, Henley freed the captives and contacted the police, finally confessing his role in what came to be known as the Houston Mass Murders. His path from a troubled youth to a participant in heinous crimes serves as a grim reminder of how dark influences and desperation can lead to devastating outcomes.
