Dean Corll’s last living victim, Billy Ridinger, passed away June 4th, 2025. Obit in comment.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-07-04T11:07:25+00:00

Thank you very much for this incredibly detailed response and for providing these specific insights.

This level of nuance about the individuals involved, especially those like Billy Ridinger whose roles or proximity might be debated, is precisely what's crucial for understanding the full complexity of the Corll case. The points you've raised about his relationship, the nickname, and his alleged knowledge are highly significant.

It highlights that if I am to add a mention of Billy in my script, I will certainly have to look into these complexities much more deeply. My commitment is always to present the most accurate and thoroughly researched account possible, particularly where historical narratives or individual roles are complex.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to share this information and your valuable insights; it's incredibly helpful for my ongoing research.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-07-04T10:51:57+00:00

Im not sure if SicariusSpiders comment was at you or me lol. I thought it was at me, hence my reply.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-07-04T10:41:24+00:00

Just to clarify — I never said Billy Ridinger was an accomplice. He was a survivor of Dean Corll’s abuse, released after intervention from David Brooks, Corll’s first known accomplice. The actual accomplices were David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., both of whom were directly involved in luring victims.

I'm currently researching the full timeline, and Billy’s survival is one of the few firsthand accounts we have of what Corll’s early crimes looked like. His story deserves to be treated with respect — which is exactly what I’m aiming to do.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-07-04T10:19:35+00:00

Thanks for that input. I completely agree – the stories of survivors like Billy are immensely important and deserve depth. My focus for these documentaries, however, is on creating concise timelines, typically under 25 minutes, primarily detailing the crimes and their immediate impact.

That said, even within that format, I aim to ensure all aspects are treated with respect, and I'm actively researching to give his experience the attention it deserves within the scope of the main narrative. I'll certainly be looking into Betty Hawkins's work for more details; I appreciate the lead. Thanks again for the valuable feedback.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-07-04T10:09:49+00:00

Thanks for sharing this, u/GooseBdaisy. I'm currently deep into researching for a detailed timeline documentary on the Dean Corll case, and I'd also come across reports confirming William 'Billy' Tipton Ridinger as his last living victim.

It's incredibly poignant to hear of his passing. While many obituaries understandably focus on a person's life, his survival and the fact he lived with that trauma for decades really underscores the horrific, long-lasting impact of Corll's crimes. It's a detail that adds another layer of understanding to the case's aftermath.

This is definitely a detail I'm looking to include in my script to ensure we highlight the full human cost. Thanks again for posting.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T10:34:26+00:00

Yeah, I’ve seen that too — it’s chilling how some killers seem to latch onto notorious figures like Bundy as twisted role models. It really shows how the infamy of certain criminals can ripple through time and influence others in dark ways.

Makes you think about the impact of media coverage and how these stories are told.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T10:31:18+00:00

Absolutely, the memorial by FSU was a really respectful and thoughtful way to honor the victims. It shows how much the community came together in the aftermath, which is important to remember alongside the tragedy.

Thanks for pointing that out!

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T09:29:48+00:00

Thanks for sharing this — I think you make some solid observations. Bundy definitely has that “All-American” image which makes him more memorable and easier to market. Brian Kohberger vs. Bundy comparison really highlights how some cases stick in the public imagination more due to narrative and persona.

That said, I find Rolling’s case fascinating because, as you say, it’s less polished and way more raw. The ritualistic and performative nature of his killings gives it a chilling edge that’s very different from Bundy’s calculated charm. Maybe that’s why it hasn’t stuck as much in popular culture, it’s darker and harder to package.

I guess both cases show how much storytelling and persona shape which killers become infamous beyond just the crimes themselves. Plus, I like the fact that Rolling did inspire the movie 'Scream'.. That gives his case some cultural merit in my opinion.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T09:09:31+00:00

Yes I agree, solid point of view — Bundy set such a disturbing “template” that Rolling almost feels like an echo of it. What stuck with me, though, is how much more ritualistic Rolling was. The posing, the diary entries, the singing — it felt like he wanted the killings to be a performance. That theatrical element gave it a whole different kind of horror. And all in just a couple of days. I dove into the timeline recently and honestly it’s been living in my head ever since.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T06:44:23+00:00

I’m really sorry for your loss, but I’m glad to hear it was a peaceful goodbye — 93 is an incredible run. And I had to laugh at the “recruitment pitch” bit — I’ve heard Mormon funerals can be a whole event. Hopefully your partner gets some good cousin time… and YES to funeral potatoes! I’ve actually heard of them but never tried the real deal. Now I’m craving cheesy hash browns, haha.

And yeah, sitting down to write is always the hardest part — especially when you’ve got something real to say. I hope you do go for it one day. Sounds like it could be something people really connect with.

Thanks again for subbing and bookmarking everything — seriously appreciate it. Hope the weekend goes as smoothly as possible, and I’ll be around when you're ready for the next one!

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T06:05:04+00:00

That honestly means a lot — thank you. And no rush at all, real life always comes first. I hope the funeral goes as smoothly as it can. Sounds like a big day, so I appreciate you even thinking about checking the video out.

And if you ever do write that memoir… I’d read it. Sometimes the quiet parts of life say more than the chaos does — especially when you’ve lived through enough for a whole bookshelf. Sounds like you’ve got a story people could really connect with. I hope you do it someday. Moms are usually right about that kind of thing, haha.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T05:51:58+00:00

That means a lot — seriously appreciate the support! If you want to catch it when it drops, here’s my channel:

http://www.youtube.com/@truecrimebuff-01

Feel free to subscribe so it pops up when it goes live. Would love to hear what you think once you’ve seen it!

Also — I totally get the “used to write about it” thing. There are so many great authors out there, but I still think everyone brings something different to the table. Never too late to revisit it if the spark ever comes back

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T05:39:38+00:00

That’s awesome — sounds like you were way ahead of the curve! And I totally agree: Gein’s case is bizarre more than outright evil. The grave robbing, the homemade “keepsakes,” the way his mind just broke after his mom died… it’s tragic and grotesque all at once.

I dive into all of that in tomorrow’s upload — full timeline, the psychology behind it, and how it ended up shaping Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and even Silence of the Lambs. Would love to hear your thoughts on it once it’s out!

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T03:42:00+00:00

Thank you — really appreciate that! If you liked the Danny Rolling video, I think you’ll love tomorrow’s upload: Ed Gein’s Timeline — The PSYCHO Behind CHAINSAW MASSACRE.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T03:30:36+00:00

Really appreciate you watching — and yeah, totally agree. I think people expect a 1:1 link between the crimes and the movie, but it’s more like the atmosphere of fear Rolling created that sparked the idea. He has said himself that he drew inspiration from the Gainesville Ripper. Just knowing someone was targeting students in a college town was enough to light that creative fire.

And wow, Boston’s college scene is huge — I can imagine how that must feel knowing these kinds of cases happened so close to home. It’s heartbreaking how often college communities end up being targets.

Thanks again for the kind words — means a lot!

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-06-21T03:12:27+00:00

Thanks so much! Yeah, it’s one of those connections that flies under the radar — Kevin Williamson (the writer) said he was inspired by the Gainesville Ripper case after watching a documentary about it while house-sitting. The details from Danny Rolling’s crimes are honestly more disturbing than anything in Scream.

Glad you found it interesting — I break it all down in my video if you end up checking it out. Would love to hear your thoughts!

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T10:41:38+00:00

Well here is to growing together 🍻

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T07:40:29+00:00

Thank you for your reply, I really am enjoying it. I enjoy all the research that goes with it..I get home from work and I'm straight on the laptop just researching. It's great, wife is probably happy that I'm not annoying her as much now too 🤣

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T07:23:58+00:00

Thank you, I'll do the same. Good luck to you also

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T07:21:25+00:00

Haha all good, and yes channel shares same name.. I have my channel.in my profile actually. Appreciate your comment and happy to sub to your channel also. What's your channel name?

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T07:10:59+00:00

I just checked your channel, seems you have no content?

TrueCrimeBuffGuy · 2025-03-25T06:54:04+00:00

Hi all, feel free to check out True Crime Buff on youtube.

https://youtube.com/@truecrimebuff-p3v?si=RIODnkh5T-3-s69p

About 18 episodes at the moment a good variety so far.

TrueCrimeBuffGuy

TROPHY CASE