Dean Corll: 9 Candy Types Used by the Candy Man to Lure Victims
Houston Serial Killer's Sinister Tactics Revealed
Dean Corll, known as "The Candy Man," was a notorious serial killer who operated in Houston, Texas during the early 1970s. His chilling crimes involved the abduction, torture, and murder of numerous young boys and men. Corll earned his sinister nickname due to his family's candy-making business, which he used as a front to lure unsuspecting victims.
Corll's methods of attracting victims were varied and cunning, often involving the use of candy as a key element in his predatory tactics. This article explores nine specific types of candy that Corll employed to entice his targets. By understanding the tactics used by this serial killer, readers can gain insight into the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.
1) Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Rolls played a significant role in Dean Corll's strategy to lure young victims. These chewy, chocolate-flavored candies were popular among children and teenagers in the early 1970s.
Corll, who worked at his family's candy factory, had easy access to large quantities of Tootsie Rolls. He often distributed them freely to neighborhood kids, earning him the nickname "The Candy Man."
The small, individually wrapped nature of Tootsie Rolls made them convenient for Corll to carry and hand out. Their widespread appeal and recognizable brand helped him gain trust and appear harmless to potential victims.
Corll would use Tootsie Rolls as an initial enticement, offering them to boys he encountered on the streets or at local hangouts. This seemingly innocent gesture often served as a conversation starter, allowing him to build rapport with his targets.
By associating himself with a beloved treat, Corll created a false sense of safety and familiarity. This tactic helped him lower the guard of his victims, making it easier to manipulate and ultimately abduct them.
2) Jawbreakers
Jawbreakers were another candy type Dean Corll used to entice young victims. These hard, spherical candies were popular among children and teenagers due to their long-lasting flavor and durability.
Corll often kept a supply of jawbreakers at his candy shop and in his vehicle. He would offer these treats to unsuspecting boys as a way to initiate conversation and build trust.
The bright colors and sweet taste of jawbreakers made them particularly appealing to younger victims. Corll sometimes used them as a distraction, handing out jawbreakers while engaging in seemingly harmless conversation.
By providing free jawbreakers, Corll cultivated an image as a generous and friendly adult. This tactic helped him lower potential victims' guard and made them more susceptible to his sinister intentions.
The long-lasting nature of jawbreakers also gave Corll more time to interact with his targets. As children slowly consumed the candy, he could prolong conversations and manipulate them into vulnerable situations.
3) Lollipops
Dean Corll utilized lollipops as part of his strategy to entice young victims. The colorful, sweet treats appealed to children and teenagers, making them an effective lure.
Corll often distributed lollipops from his family's candy company. This practice earned him the nickname "The Candy Man" among local youth.
He frequently offered lollipops to potential victims as a way to initiate contact. The familiar candy helped lower their guard and build trust.
Lollipops were sometimes used in conjunction with other tactics, such as offering rides or inviting victims to parties. The combination of candy and other enticements proved dangerously effective.
Corll's use of lollipops highlighted the vulnerability of young people to seemingly harmless gestures from adults. It served as a chilling reminder of how predators can exploit innocent items for sinister purposes.
4) Jelly Beans
Dean Corll, known as the Candy Man, used various candy types to entice his victims. Jelly beans were among the sweets he employed in his sinister scheme. These colorful, bean-shaped candies appealed to many young people due to their wide range of flavors.
Corll likely offered jelly beans to potential victims as a friendly gesture. The small size of jelly beans made them easy to carry and distribute. Their popularity among children and teenagers made them an effective lure.
The various flavors of jelly beans provided Corll with options to cater to different preferences. He could offer fruity flavors like cherry or grape, or more unique options like buttered popcorn or licorice. This variety increased the chances of finding a flavor a potential victim would enjoy.
Jelly beans were also a common candy found in Corll's family's candy store. This allowed him to access them easily and use them frequently in his criminal activities. The innocent appearance of jelly beans helped Corll maintain his façade as a kind, generous adult.
5) Caramel Squares
Dean Corll, known as the Candy Man, reportedly used caramel squares as one of his tactics to lure victims. These chewy, sweet confections were popular among children and teenagers in the early 1970s.
Caramel squares offered a convenient and enticing treat that Corll could easily distribute. Their individually wrapped nature made them portable and hygienic, increasing their appeal to potential victims.
The rich, buttery flavor of caramel squares likely made them an irresistible temptation for young boys in the Houston area. Corll may have capitalized on this widespread fondness for the candy to gain trust and approachability.
As an employee at his family's candy company, Corll had ready access to various sweets, including caramel squares. This position provided him with a seemingly innocent reason to carry and offer candy to neighborhood youth.
While caramel squares were just one of several candy types Corll allegedly used, they exemplify how he exploited common treats to mask his sinister intentions. The use of such ordinary items highlights the unsettling nature of his crimes.
6) Fruit Chews
Dean Corll utilized various types of candy to entice his young victims, and fruit chews were among his arsenal of sweet lures. These chewy, fruit-flavored candies appealed to children and teenagers with their bright colors and tangy taste.
Fruit chews were popular in the early 1970s when Corll committed his crimes. Their small, individually wrapped pieces made them easy to distribute and share with potential victims.
Corll likely chose fruit chews for their widespread appeal and convenience. The candy's association with youthful enjoyment made it an effective tool for gaining trust and lowering defenses.
While specific brands are not confirmed, common fruit chews of the era included Starburst, Now and Later, and Mamba. These candies' chewy texture and long-lasting flavor may have served as a distraction during initial interactions.
Corll's use of fruit chews demonstrates how seemingly innocent items can be weaponized by predators. The candy's role in his crimes serves as a chilling reminder of the tactics employed by serial killers to manipulate their victims.
7) Chocolate Bars
Dean Corll frequently used chocolate bars as a lure for his victims. These popular treats appealed to young boys and teenagers, making them an effective tool in his sinister scheme.
Corll often offered various brands of chocolate bars to potential victims. He kept a supply of these sweets in his car and at his residence, ready to use as bait at a moment's notice.
The convenience and widespread availability of chocolate bars made them an easy choice for Corll. He could purchase them discreetly from local stores without arousing suspicion.
Corll's association with his family's candy company likely influenced his choice of chocolate bars as a lure. His familiarity with confectionery products helped him select appealing options for his targets.
The innocent nature of chocolate bars made them an unsuspecting weapon in Corll's arsenal. Victims were less likely to be wary of accepting such a common and seemingly harmless treat from an adult.
8) Gummy Bears
Dean Corll utilized various candy types to lure victims, including gummy bears. These chewy, colorful treats appealed to young people and helped Corll maintain his friendly "Candy Man" facade.
Gummy bears were relatively new to the American market in the early 1970s, making them an exciting and novel candy option. Their small size and fun shapes made them easy to distribute and share with potential victims.
Corll likely obtained gummy bears from his family's candy company or local suppliers. He would offer them to teenagers as a way to initiate conversations and build trust.
The sweet taste and unique texture of gummy bears made them particularly enticing to young people. Corll may have used this to his advantage, offering larger quantities or special flavors to persuade victims to accompany him.
While gummy bears were not the only candy Corll used, they played a role in his sinister tactics. The innocuous nature of these treats contrasted sharply with the horrific crimes that followed, highlighting the deceptive methods Corll employed to ensnare his victims.
9) Candy Corn
Candy corn, a classic Halloween treat, was reportedly one of the candies Dean Corll used to lure victims. This tri-colored confection, resembling a kernel of corn, has been a popular seasonal candy since the 1880s.
Corll likely chose candy corn due to its widespread availability and appeal to young people. Its sweet, sugary flavor and distinctive appearance made it an enticing option for attracting potential victims.
As the owner of a candy factory, Corll had easy access to various sweets, including candy corn. He often distributed candy to neighborhood children, earning him the nickname "Candy Man."
While candy corn played a role in Corll's sinister activities, it's important to note that the candy itself is not inherently dangerous. Corll's use of it was part of a larger pattern of manipulation and deception to gain trust from his victims.
The association of candy corn with Corll's crimes has led to some discomfort around this particular candy for those familiar with the case. However, it remains a popular seasonal treat for many people unaware of its connection to this dark chapter in criminal history.
Dean Corll: Background and Criminal Activities
Dean Corll, known as the Candy Man, terrorized Houston, Texas in the early 1970s. He orchestrated a series of brutal murders involving young boys and men, aided by teenage accomplices. Corll's criminal activities shocked the nation and left a dark mark on true crime history.
Early Life and Personality
Dean Arnold Corll was born on December 24, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His parents divorced when he was young, leading to a tumultuous childhood. Corll moved to Houston with his mother in the 1950s, where they started a small candy company.
As an adult, Corll presented a seemingly normal facade. He served in the U.S. Army and later worked as an electrician. Neighbors described him as quiet and polite.
Behind this veneer, Corll harbored dark impulses. He demonstrated manipulative tendencies and a predatory interest in young males.
Criminal Network and Accomplices
Corll's crimes were facilitated by two teenage accomplices: David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley. Brooks first encountered Corll at age 12 and was groomed over time.
Henley joined the group later, initially recruited to lure victims. Both teens participated in Corll's crimes, helping to abduct and murder victims.
This criminal network operated with chilling efficiency. Corll used his status as an adult and his candy company connections to gain trust and access to potential victims.
Timeline of Crimes
Corll's known murder spree began in 1970 and continued until his death in 1973. During this period, he killed at least 28 young males.
His modus operandi involved abducting victims, often using drugs or alcohol to incapacitate them. Victims were then taken to various locations where they were tortured, sexually assaulted, and murdered.
Corll's reign of terror ended on August 8, 1973, when Henley shot and killed him during a confrontation. This led to the discovery of Corll's crimes and shocked the Houston community.
Investigative Techniques and Breakthroughs
The investigation into Dean Corll's crimes involved forensic analysis, dedicated law enforcement efforts, and key moments that cracked the case. Advanced methods and persistent detective work ultimately revealed the full scope of the Candy Man's atrocities.
Forensic Evidence
Investigators relied heavily on forensic evidence to piece together Corll's crimes. Dental records played a crucial role in identifying victims' remains. Experts meticulously examined bone fragments and teeth to match them with missing persons reports.
Ballistics analysis of bullets found at crime scenes linked multiple murders to the same weapons. This evidence helped establish connections between seemingly unrelated cases.
Soil samples from burial sites provided valuable clues. Forensic geologists analyzed the composition of dirt to determine where bodies had been buried, leading to the discovery of additional victims.
Role of Law Enforcement
Local police departments worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the disappearances. Detectives conducted extensive interviews with families, friends, and acquaintances of missing boys.
Task forces were formed to coordinate efforts across jurisdictions. This collaboration allowed for more efficient information sharing and resource allocation.
Undercover operations were launched to infiltrate areas where potential victims were last seen. Officers posed as teenagers in hopes of gathering leads or preventing further abductions.
Breakthrough Moments in the Case
The most significant breakthrough came when Corll's accomplice, Elmer Wayne Henley, shot and killed him. Henley's subsequent confession led police to numerous burial sites.
Discovery of Corll's torture board and implements in his home provided concrete evidence of his crimes. This physical proof corroborated victim statements and helped build a solid case.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors who escaped Corll's clutches offered crucial details. Their testimonies helped investigators understand the killer's methods and identify potential victims.
