He Escaped Death at the Hands of a Twisted Serial Killer. So How Did He Become His ‘Compliant Accomplice?’

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.: From Victim to Killer’s Accomplice

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. was only 14 years old when he found himself at the home of the notorious Texas serial killer, Dean Corll. Corll, known for his friendly demeanor and habit of offering candy to children in the Houston Heights area in the early 1970s, was responsible for a string of heinous crimes that would shock the nation. This is the story of how a young boy narrowly escaped death at the hands of a twisted killer, only to become ensnared as his compliant accomplice.

It was Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.’s neighbour, David Brooks, who introduced him to Dean Corll, setting off a chain of events that would change Henley’s life forever. Henley’s encounter with Corll, where the killer questioned him about self-defense and inquired if anyone knew of his whereabouts, turned out to be a pivotal moment. By revealing that his mother knew where he was, Henley unknowingly spared himself from a deadly fate that day.

Despite this initial escape, Henley would soon find himself drawn into a web of depravity and violence orchestrated by Corll. Alongside Brooks, Henley became an accomplice in Corll’s gruesome crimes, which involved the torture, rape, and murder of at least 28 young boys and men. Many of the victims were buried in remote locations, their disappearances sending shockwaves through the community.

Decades later, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. is breaking his silence on his role in these horrific events in a new documentary on Investigation Discovery titled ‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice.’ The documentary features Henley in conversation with renowned forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, shedding light on the dark and chilling details of his association with Dean Corll.

Dr. Ramsland delves into the complex psychology behind Henley’s actions, describing him as a “compliant accomplice” who was manipulated and groomed by Corll. She explains how Corll, along with Brooks, targeted vulnerable individuals, gradually entrapping them in a cycle of violence and control. Despite his involvement in the murders, Henley’s conflicted feelings and ultimate act of shooting Corll during a confrontation reveal a deeper complexity to his character.

Unlike many other killers, Henley exhibited remorse for his actions and cooperated with the authorities, leading them to the victims’ bodies and confessing to his role in the atrocities. Dr. Ramsland highlights the internal struggle Henley faced, grappling with the consequences of his choices and the reality of spending his life behind bars as a result of his crimes.

‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’ offers a chilling glimpse into the harrowing events that unfolded in Houston decades ago, exposing the depths of depravity and manipulation that led to unimaginable tragedy. As Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.’s story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of evil and the resilience of those who survive its grasp.

In a world where monsters lurk in the shadows, Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.’s journey from victim to accomplice stands as a haunting testament to the power of manipulation and the enduring quest for justice in the face of unspeakable horrors. The documentary promises to shed light on a dark chapter in history, offering insight into the mind of a killer and the individuals caught in his deadly web. Premiering on Investigation Discovery, ‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’ invites viewers to explore the twisted depths of human nature and the enduring legacy of those who defy it.