The Houston Mass Murders and other True Crime Cases
In 1973, Houston, Texas, was scarred by one of the most horrific serial murder cases in American history. Dean Corll, Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., and David Brooks, stole the lives of at least 29 young boys, shattering families and leaving a city in disbelief. This Substack is a dedicated space to explore this haunting case—honoring the victims, unraveling the investigation, and revealing truths that have remained hidden for decades.
I’m Barbara Gibson, a Houston-based true crime author driven by a deep compassion for missing persons and unidentified victims. In 2010, I began investigating the Houston Mass Murders, combing through court records, police reports, and personal interviews to identify the unnamed boys lost to this tragedy. My persistence led to a stunning breakthrough: I discovered that one of the 27 victims recovered in 1973 had been misidentified by the Harris County morgue. DNA testing confirmed my findings, bringing closure to a family after 40 years of uncertainty. KHOU-TV reported my role in uncovering this mistake, noting how my work as a Police News reporter sparked the revelation. ABC13 called it an “oh my gosh” moment for the medical examiner’s office.
My investigation didn’t stop there. In an October 2010 interview with Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., I uncovered discrepancies in the case of victim Mark Scott, suggesting the possibility of an additional unidentified victim (KHOU-TV, October 2010). This work helped an elderly mother claim her son who had been missing since 1972, as reported by The Springfield News-Leader in 2011.
On the 50th anniversary of this devastating case, my book, *Houston Mass Murders – 1973: A True Crime Narrative*, offers a unique and comprehensive perspective on a case that shook the nation. Through multiple viewpoints, the true crime narrative takes readers on a journey of discovery, revealing an in-depth account not previously known to the public.
Subscribe now to join me in exploring this pivotal true crime story, and discover the truths I’ve uncovered through relentless dedication. Follow along for updates on my book, reflections on the case’s legacy, and a commitment to giving voice to the forgotten.
After 1972 disappearance, misidentification of body, son's ashes returned to mother
Juliana Goodwin; The Springfield News-Leader; Aug 1, 2011
“Barbara Gibson interviewed Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr. (October 2010) to figure out whose body might have been misidentified. In that conversation, Henley said the report on Mark Scott did not match up either.”
