Elmer Wayne Henley was born on September 5, 1956, in Houston, Texas. From a young age, he experienced a tumultuous upbringing, with his father being an abusive alcoholic who made life difficult for Elmer, his siblings, and his mother. Despite these challenges at home, Elmer was a bright student in school and showed promise for a successful future.
However, at the age of 15, Elmer made the difficult decision to drop out of high school in order to help support his mother financially. It was during his time in school that he met David Owen Brooks, a friend who would later introduce Elmer to the dark world of Dean Corll.
Elmer Wayne Henley's life took a dark turn when he became involved in what would later be known as the Houston Mass Murders. Alongside his accomplice, Dean Corll, Elmer played a key role in luring unsuspecting victims to their demise. Dean would then subject these young boys to horrific acts of rape, torture, and ultimately murder.
It is believed that at least 28 teenage boys and young men fell victim to the depraved actions of Dean Corll and Elmer Wayne Henley. The crimes shocked the nation and left a lasting scar on the community of Houston.
Despite his involvement in the heinous crimes, Elmer Wayne Henley reached a breaking point in August 1973. During an episode at Dean Corll's home, Elmer believed that things had gone too far. In a moment of bravery, or perhaps desperation, he made the decision to shoot and kill his accomplice.
After fatally shooting Dean Corll, Elmer released the restrained victims and contacted the authorities. In a shocking turn of events, he confessed to his role in the murders, shining a light on the dark and twisted world he had been a part of.
Elmer Wayne Henley's name will forever be linked to the Houston Mass Murders, a chapter of the city's history that continues to haunt the collective memory. His actions, though horrific, have also sparked discussions about the nature of crime, the influence of environment on behavior, and the limits of human depravity.
Alongside fellow Texan serial killer Charles Albright, Elmer Wayne Henley will be remembered as a figure of infamy, a reminder of the darkness that can lurk within the human soul.
His story serves as a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of power, control, and a twisted sense of loyalty.
While Elmer Wayne Henley's name may conjure images of terror and despair, it is also a testament to the resilience of those who survived his atrocities and the determination of law enforcement to seek justice for the innocent lives lost.