David Brooks and Dean Corll formed an instant connection; largely because Brooks viewed him as a father figure, as reported by Texas Monthly. Jim Skelton said the boy “idolized” Corll. Brooks confessed to his attorney that Corll “was the first adult male who didn’t make fun of him.”
Unfortunately, Corll’s intentions for Brooks were not as innocent as they may have seemed. Texas Monthly reports Brooks was one of the first boys who Corll lured to his apartment with promises of money and other gifts. He also provided the boy with affection and other basic needs that were not being met at home.
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Skelton said Corll provided Brooks with shelter when he and his father were fighting, as well as money whenever he wanted or needed it. He also, in many ways, treated him like a son. Although the relationship was clearly toxic, Brooks looked up to the older man — who was essentially the only adult caretaker he had.
Although he knew what Corll was doing to him was wrong, Brooks did not fully understand the depths of the Candy Man’s depravity for several years. When he was 15 years old, Brooks made an unexpected visit to Corll’s apartment. According to Texas Monthly, he was stunned to find two boys restrained on Corll’s bed. Brooks immediately left the apartment. However, he later questioned Corll about the disturbing incident.
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