The Apprentice Of Evil: 5 Shocking Facts About Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. And His Chilling Role In The Houston Mass Murders

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. remains one of the most chilling figures in American true crime history, not as a mastermind, but as the teenage accomplice to one of the nation’s deadliest serial killers, Dean Corll. As of today, December 18, 2025, Henley is 69 years old, serving six consecutive life sentences for his role in the infamous Houston Mass Murders, a horrific killing spree that claimed the lives of at least 29 young men and boys in the early 1970s.

The latest updates confirm that Henley, who is the last surviving member of the trio involved, was recently denied parole. This decision ensures that a man responsible for luring victims to the "Candy Man Killer" will remain incarcerated, with his next scheduled parole review hearing not set until 2035. This article delves deep into the man, the murders, and the current status of the killer who turned on his mentor, bringing the spree to a violent end.

The Life and Crimes of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.'s name is inextricably linked to the worst serial murder case in Texas history. His biography is a tragic descent from a troubled teenager into a facilitator of torture and murder.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.
• Born: May 9, 1956
• Age (as of 2025): 69
• Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Known Associates: Dean Corll ("The Candy Man Killer"), David Owen Brooks
• Crimes: Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping, Sexual Assault
• Victims: Convicted of the murder of six victims, but implicated in the overall count of 29 victims of the Houston Mass Murders.
• Sentence: Six consecutive life sentences
• Current Status: Incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.
• Next Parole Review: 2035

Henley was only 14 years old when he first encountered Dean Corll in 1971. Corll, who was known to local children as "The Candy Man" because he distributed candy from his family's business, preyed on vulnerable boys in the Houston area. Henley quickly became entangled in Corll's dark world, initially as a victim, then transitioning into an accomplice who helped lure other young men to Corll.

The Corll-Henley-Brooks Trio: A Reign of Terror

The period between 1970 and 1973 saw the systematic kidnapping, torture, and murder of dozens of teenage boys and young men across Houston, Pasadena, and Friendswood, Texas. The three central figures in this horrific spree were Dean Corll, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., and David Owen Brooks, another young accomplice.

The scope of the Houston Mass Murders was staggering. The victims, ranging in age from 13 to 20, were often lured with promises of money or parties. Corll’s victims were typically held captive, sexually assaulted, and then murdered, with their bodies buried in various locations, including a boat shed Corll rented. The sheer volume of the crimes horrified the nation and remains one of the deadliest serial murder cases in U.S. history.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Henley's role was critical to Corll's operation. He and David Brooks were instrumental in recruiting victims, a disturbing form of complicity that earned Henley a conviction for six murders. The case highlighted the terrifying manipulation Corll exerted over the two younger accomplices.

The Night Corll’s Killing Spree Ended

The Houston Mass Murders came to an abrupt end on August 8, 1973, in a shocking turn of events orchestrated by Henley himself. After a night of drug use and escalating violence at Corll's home in Pasadena, Texas, Henley, then 17 years old, shot Corll six times with a .22 caliber pistol. Henley later claimed he acted in self-defense and to save the life of a 15-year-old victim, Timothy Kerley, whom Corll was preparing to torture.

Following the shooting, Henley called the police. His confession, and that of David Owen Brooks, led authorities to the grim discovery of 27 bodies. The total count eventually rose to 29 victims, although some sources place the number higher. The magnitude of the discovery instantly branded Corll as "The Candy Man Killer" and exposed the brutal crimes that had gone unnoticed for years.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

During the subsequent trials, Henley's defense argued that he was a victim of Corll’s manipulation and abuse. However, the jury ultimately found him guilty of his participation in the murders. He was sentenced to six life terms, a reflection of his deep involvement in the murder of multiple young men, including James Stanton Dreymala.

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. Today: Incarceration and Parole Denials

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. has spent over five decades behind bars in the Texas prison system. His case has been a recurring point of contention for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, particularly for the families of the victims who consistently and vehemently protest his release.

The most recent parole review resulted in a denial, with Henley now scheduled for his next review in 2035. This decision provides a measure of justice and peace for the families of the victims, who have endured the agonizing ritual of fighting his release for decades.

Henley's case has maintained public interest, partly due to its inclusion in popular culture, such as the Netflix series *Mindhunter*, where he is a supporting antagonist. More recently, Henley has been the subject of new true-crime media, including the Investigation Discovery documentary *The Serial Killer's Apprentice*.

These recent media appearances, including interviews from prison, have allowed Henley to break his silence and offer his perspective on his horrific past, though his claims of remorse and rehabilitation are viewed with skepticism by many. He is currently one of the oldest and longest-serving inmates connected to the Houston Mass Murders, a case that continues to define the dark side of Texas true crime history.

The Enduring Legacy of the Houston Mass Murders

The legacy of the Houston Mass Murders extends beyond the imprisonment of Henley and Brooks (who is also serving a life sentence). The case led to significant changes in how law enforcement handled missing persons reports and youth outreach in the Houston area. It brought national attention to the vulnerability of runaway and marginalized youth.

The ongoing search for the identities of all victims remains a priority. For example, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children continues to work on identifying "John Doe 1973," a victim whose remains were found during the initial investigation.

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. will likely remain a figure of intense scrutiny until his death. His role as the accomplice who also became the executioner of his mentor, Dean Corll, secures his place as a complex and disturbing entity in the annals of serial killer history. His 2035 parole date ensures that the families of the 29 victims will continue their fight for justice for at least another decade.