During my interview with Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., in 2010, he revealed that the Harris County District Attorney granted him immunity in exchange for a two-day hypnosis session conducted by one of the DA’s own investigators back in 1987. Henley’s statement, under the guise of “hypnosis,” was so thorough that not one official from law enforcement has visited him since.
Henley’s hypnosis session was confirmed by a source in the DA’s office, but the videotape and transcript could not be located.
The decision to grant Henley immunity is beyond baffling, especially when the DA’s office already knew he had confessed to killing—and named—at least nine of the victims and led police to their bodies in 1973. They also knew that David Brooks told investigators that Henley had killed at least four more boys, raising Henley’s body count to thirteen (fourteen if you include the killing of Dean Corll).
Other than saving investigators gas money from not having to question Henley again, there was absolutely no benefit for the victims’ family members or the public. In fact, the immunity agreement condemned the family members of twenty-nine victims to endless parole hearings until Henley is released or dies in prison—and even worse, the Baulch brothers’ family will never find justice, despite Henley’s 1973 confession that he killed both boys and the fact that DNA has confirmed their identities.
What’s Next:
Serial Part 1 launches an ongoing investigation into the Houston Mass Murders, with five parts released so far, each blending forensic science, archival research, and raw human stories. Join me in this journey to uncover the truth behind this haunting case.
Source & Full Documentation
All evidence above is published in:
Houston Mass Murders: A Serial Investigation – Serial Part 5
by Barbara Gibson
Published October 2025
Available exclusively on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWYK4P5C
Full series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT75NBP9
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Elmer Wayne Henley’s 1987 immunity deal?
A: The Harris County DA granted immunity for a two-day hypnosis session with further confessions — blocking prosecution for additional murders, including the Baulch brothers.
Q: Why no justice for the Baulch brothers in Houston Mass Murders?
A: Henley confessed in 1973 to killing both, but the 1987 immunity deal prevented charges despite later DNA confirmation.
Q: Did Henley reveal new details in the 1987 hypnosis?
A: Yes — so thorough no officials questioned him again; videotape and transcript now missing.
Q: Where can I read Barbara Gibson’s full Henley interview?
A: Complete details in Serial Parts 4-5 of Houston Mass Murders: A Serial Investigation on Amazon.
