Episode 51: Terror in Texas - The “Candy Man Killer” and His Teenage Accomplices (pt. 1)

In this gripping episode of Super SUS, we take a deep dive into one of the most shocking and lesser-known true crime stories from Texas. The tale of the Candyman Killer, Dean Arnold Corll, is a disturbing saga of manipulation, murder, and sinister influence spanning the early 1970s.

Dean Corll, often overshadowed by the notoriety of serial killers like John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer, committed a series of heinous crimes that horrified the Houston community. Over a brief but intense period from 1970 to 1973, Corll was responsible for the deaths of at least 28 boys and young men, all of whom were coerced into his deadly web of deceit.

A Deceptive Persona

Corll was known as the Candyman because of his family’s candy business, Corll Candy Company. He used his sugary enticements to lure children and teenagers, gaining their trust with treats and charm. His unassuming appearance and seemingly kind demeanor masked the horrifying truths that lay beneath.

The Grooming of Accomplices

Corll didn’t work alone—he manipulated teenage boys into assisting him. He used promises of money and friendship to ensnare his young accomplices, convincing them to lure others under false pretenses. Corll fabricated a “white slavery ring” as part of this manipulation, securing their silence through fear and coercion.

The Horrors Unveiled

The victims, often friends of the accomplices, were subjected to unimaginable brutality. Once brought into Corll's home, they were drugged or intoxicated, then subjected to horrific torture and ultimately murder. Corll’s cruelty left a mark on the Houston area that lingered long after his reign of terror.

Why Isn’t This Case More Well-Known?

Despite the magnitude of his crimes, the Candyman Killer is less widely known than other serial killers. His seemingly benign nickname, coupled with limited media coverage at the time, may have contributed to the relative obscurity of his story.

In this episode, we explore why this dark chapter of American crime isn’t more widely recognized, considering the scale and horror inflicted by Corll and his manipulations.

Join us on this heart-rending journey through fear and deception, and discover how appearances can be fatally misleading. The story of the Candyman Killer is one you won’t soon forget. Tune in to uncover the truths behind Terror in Texas – Part 1.