Lecture on Dean Corll: The Serial Killer Known as "The Candy Man"

Introduction

• Focus on crime, murder, disappearances, and conspiracy as topics of interest.
• Discussion on Dean Corll, a lesser-known serial killer overshadowed by John Wayne Gacy.
• Dean Corll, also known as "The Candy Man," was active between 1970 and 1973 in Houston, Texas.

Background

• Born: December 24, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Family: Raised by a narcissistic mother, Mary, and an abusive father, Arnold Edwin Corll.
• Corll had a solitary childhood and was known for antisocial behavior.
• Early experiences with animal cruelty.
• Moved to Houston, Texas; parents divorced; lived briefly with grandmother.
• Sexual education from observing animals on a farm.

Corll Candy Company

• Established by his mother after a praline recipe purchase.
• Dean took over operations: running machines, boxing candy, deliveries.
• Made candy across from an elementary school to attract children.

Corll's Methods of Grooming

• Created a hangout space with a pool table at the factory.
• Gave out free candy to gain trust and friendship of local children.
• Used friendship to lure victims, initially without suspicion from adults.

Accomplices

David Brooks

• Knew Dean from age 10, groomed over years.
• Witnessed Corll's early murders; enticed by money to lure boys.
• Became emotionally and financially dependent on Corll.

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.

• Initially a potential victim, became Corll's second accomplice.
• Had a difficult upbringing with an abusive father.
• Was charismatic and popular, making him effective at recruiting victims.

Murder Pattern and Methods

• Corll, Brooks, and Henley lured young boys to Corll’s various residences.
• Use of a "torture board" for restraining victims.
• Victims were tortured, raped, and murdered, often by strangulation or shooting.
• Employed psychological manipulation, e.g., letters to families claiming children had moved away.

Notable Murders

• Murders occurred within a small radius in Houston.
• Victims included friends of Brooks and Henley.
• Corll moved often to avoid suspicion.

Discovery and Capture

• Henley turned against Corll, ultimately shooting him in 1973.
• Police discovered extensive evidence of torture and murder at Corll’s residence.

Aftermath

• Brooks and Henley sentenced to prison, still incarcerated today.
• Corll received a veteran’s funeral despite his crimes.
• Police investigations criticized for lack of thoroughness.
• Total confirmed victims numbered at 29, possibly more.

Conclusion

• Dean Corll remains one of America's most heinous serial killers, yet less known than others like Gacy.
• His case highlights societal and systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
• Encouragement to further explore true crime stories and conspiracies.