The Candyman’s Last Accomplice: 5 Shocking Facts About Elmer Wayne Henley And His 2035 Parole Denial

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. remains one of the most chilling figures in American true crime, not as the mastermind, but as the 17-year-old accomplice who eventually ended the three-year killing spree of Dean Corll, the notorious "Candyman Killer." The sheer scale of the Houston Mass Murders—29 confirmed victims—etched Henley's name into history. As of late 2025, the 69-year-old convict is serving six life sentences, and the most current, significant update is the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ recent decision regarding his freedom. This article provides the latest, most pertinent facts about Elmer Wayne Henley, detailing his role in the horrific 1970s crimes, his life behind bars, and the definitive date for his next chance at parole, which has been pushed back significantly. The case, often referred to as the worst serial killing in U.S. history at the time, continues to haunt the families of the victims, known collectively as "The Lost Boys."

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.: Biographical Profile and Key Events

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. was a central figure in the Houston Mass Murders, a series of killings that shocked the nation. His biography is inextricably linked to the crimes that defined his life.

• Full Name: Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.
• Date of Birth: May 9, 1956
• Age (as of late 2025): 69
• Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Known Accomplices: Dean Allen Corll ("The Candyman Killer") and David Owen Brooks
• Years of Crimes: September 1970 to August 1973
• Total Victims: 29 confirmed victims (boys and young men aged 13–20)
• Convictions: Six counts of murder (Henley was convicted for the deaths of six victims he lured to Corll)
• Sentence: Six consecutive life sentences
• Current Status: Incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system.

The Candyman's Apprentice: Henley's Role in the Houston Mass Murders

Henley's descent into a life of crime began at the age of 14 when he was befriended by Dean Corll, a seemingly ordinary candy factory worker. Corll used his charm, money, and a promise of easy cash to lure teenagers, including Henley and his friend David Owen Brooks, into his criminal orbit.

The role of Henley and Brooks was to act as recruiters, often paid $200 per victim, to bring young boys and men to Corll’s home in Houston, Texas. While Brooks was involved in the early stages, Henley became Corll's most active and prominent accomplice, participating in the torture and murder of several victims. The victims were often lured from areas around the Heights and Pasadena neighborhoods of Houston.

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The murders were carried out over a three-year period, from 1970 to 1973, before the horrific truth was exposed. The bodies were buried in various locations, including a boat shed and a rented storage space, a chilling detail that contributed to the case's notoriety.

The Event That Stopped the Killings: A Turning Point

The three-year killing spree came to an abrupt, violent end on August 8, 1973. On that day, a 17-year-old Elmer Wayne Henley, fearing for his own life and the life of a new victim, fatally shot Dean Corll. Henley then called the police, confessing to the shooting and exposing the full extent of the "Candyman Killer's" crimes. This event, while a murder itself, was the catalyst that uncovered the mass graves and brought the Houston Mass Murders to light, preventing more deaths.

Henley's testimony and cooperation with authorities were crucial in recovering the remains of the 29 victims, a grim task that involved multiple burial sites. Despite his role in stopping Corll, Henley was tried and convicted for his direct involvement in six of the murders, receiving six consecutive life sentences in 1974.

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The Latest Update: Parole Denied Until 2035

For the families of the victims, the prospect of Elmer Wayne Henley's release is a recurring nightmare. As of late 2025, the most crucial update on his status is the recent denial of his parole. Henley, who is serving his life sentence within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system, has been up for parole review several times since becoming eligible.

In a victory for the victims' families and a testament to their continued advocacy, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Henley's request for release. This decision means that Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. will not be eligible for parole again until 2035. This new review date provides a significant period of closure and security for the families, ensuring one of the last living perpetrators of the heinous crimes remains incarcerated for the foreseeable future.

Henley, currently 69, has also reportedly sought compassionate or medical parole in the past, a request that was also denied by the TDCJ. He is the last surviving member of the trio, as Corll was killed by Henley and David Owen Brooks died in prison in 2020.

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5 Chilling Entities Connected to the Houston Mass Murders

The case is defined by a network of interconnected people, places, and events, establishing its place as a cornerstone of true crime history. These entities are essential to understanding the full scope of the tragedy:

1. Dean Allen Corll: The primary serial killer, known as "The Candyman Killer" due to his former job at a candy factory. He was the mastermind who sexually assaulted, tortured, and murdered the victims.
2. David Owen Brooks: Henley's fellow accomplice, who was also a teenager at the time. Brooks was convicted of one count of murder and received a life sentence, dying in prison in 2020.
3. The Lost Boys: The collective term for the 29 young victims of the Houston Mass Murders, whose remains were discovered in the aftermath of Corll's death.
4. Pasadena, Texas: A key location in the crime spree. Corll's residence, where many of the murders and acts of torture took place, was located in this Houston suburb.
5. Michael Unit (TDCJ): One of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities where Henley has been incarcerated. His life sentence is served under the jurisdiction of the TDCJ.

The story of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. is a grim reminder of the vulnerability of youth and the devastating consequences of manipulation. With his parole denied until 2035, the focus remains on the victims and the enduring efforts to ensure justice is served for the Houston Mass Murders.