News Summary
Investigative journalist Lise Olsen reveals haunting details about Houston’s infamous serial killer, Dean Corll, in her new book set for release on April 1, 2025. After years of research, Olsen explores Corll’s brutal crimes, the neglected victims, and the need for memorials for the lost boys. This compelling narrative emphasizes the lasting impacts of these atrocities and aims to educate future generations to prevent similar tragedies.
Houston – Investigative journalist Lise Olsen has unveiled chilling truths about Houston’s notorious serial killer, Dean Corll, in her forthcoming book, “The Scientist and the Serial Killer.” The release date is set for April 1, 2025. This compelling book comes after over four years of meticulous research and investigation, highlighting Corll’s haunting legacy and the ramifications of his brutal crimes that spanned the early 1970s.
Corll, dubbed the “Candyman” because of his family’s candy business, was responsible for the abduction, sexual torture, and murder of more than two dozen boys and young men. His reign of terror peaked during a time when dozens of teenage boys disappeared in Houston. Tragically, many of these cases were originally labeled as runaways by local law enforcement, perpetuating a cycle of neglect toward the victims.
The truth about Corll’s horrors was only fully brought to light on August 8, 1973, when his accomplice, Elmer Wayne Henley, fatally shot Corll in a Pasadena home. This pivotal event prompted police investigations that led to the discovery of mass graves, with Henley and another accomplice, David Brooks, leading authorities to three separate burial sites, including a boat storage facility and a beach. In total, the remains of 27 victims were uncovered, yet many remain unidentified.
Among those recently identified was Donnie Falcon, whose family had spent over five decades waiting for closure. Falcon disappeared at age 16 in August 1971, and his remains were confirmed by Dr. Sharon Derrick, a forensic anthropologist who has dedicated more than 20 years to identifying bodies linked to Corll’s heinous crimes. This revelation brought a long-awaited sense of peace to Falcon’s family and underscores the lasting effects of Corll’s actions on the lives of the victims’ loved ones.
Olsen’s book also sheds light on other victims who were not formally recognized by the Medical Examiner’s Office, including the unnamed “Swimsuit Boy.” The narrative explores Corll’s connections to an international pornography ring and emphasizes the profound losses experienced by families due to Corll’s killings. Through her work, Olsen aims to educate future generations about these tragic events to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A renewed discussion regarding the creation of memorials for Corll’s victims has emerged following Olsen’s comprehensive research. Historically, the response from Houston authorities has leaned toward forgetting the atrocities committed to protect the city’s reputation. Many of Corll’s victims were buried anonymously, with nearly a third remaining unidentified for decades—largely due to societal stigma and the limitations of forensic technology at that time.
In a recent development, Pasadena city officials demolished Corll’s former residence, with plans to create a park in its place. However, there are currently no established memorials dedicated to the victims. Olsen’s research stands as a testament to the need to focus on identifying victims of such vile crimes rather than romanticizing the killers themselves.
The advancements in forensic science offer hope for resolving many cold cases involving unidentified victims. As the narrative of the Houston “lost boys” continues through Olsen’s work, it serves as a call to action for society to honor the memories of those whose lives were tragically cut short and to ensure their stories are not forgotten.
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Additional Resources
- ABC13 News: Dean Corll – The Candyman Killer
- Wikipedia: Dean Corll
- Houston Chronicle: Candyman Murders
- Google Search: Candyman Murders Houston
- KVUE: Candyman Killer Parole Hearing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Serial Killer
- KHOU: Candyman Killer Update
- USA Today: The Scientist and the Serial Killer
