Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour

Introduction

If you’re a fan of true crime stories, dark histories, or just curious about the sinister side of Houston, the Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour promises a 5-hour journey into the city’s most infamous and unsettling past. This guided experience, priced at $150 per person, is designed to satisfy your curiosity about some of the most notorious crimes and cult activities that have left a mark on Houston’s landscape.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a rare mix of historical context and chilling tales that aren’t often covered in standard city tours. And secondly, it’s a private experience, meaning your group gets undivided attention and a more personalized storytelling style.

However, it’s not a tour for the faint of heart or those expecting a light, sightseeing outing. The focus on murder sites and criminal histories can be intense, and some stops involve brief visits without entrance fees or inside access. This tour is perfect for true crime buffs, history enthusiasts, and anyone with a morbid curiosity who’s comfortable with the darker side of human nature.

Key Points

• In-depth itinerary covering notable crime scenes, cult history, and infamous individuals connected to Houston.
• Private tour with an expert guide, ensuring personalized storytelling and attention.
• Short stops at sites with rich stories, some without entrance fees, providing authentic outdoor experiences.
• Dark history including notorious murders, serial killers, and cult leaders like Heaven’s Gate.
• Unique lunch stop at one of Houston’s oldest restaurants, connecting history with local flavor.
• Caution advised for sensitive travelers due to the intense subject matter.

Exploring Houston’s Dark Side: What to Expect

This tour is a curated stroll through Houston’s darker moments—an experience that balances facts with storytelling, offering insight into the city’s most infamous moments. You’ll visit several sites, each with its own story of tragedy, depravity, or cult obsession, all told by a guide who knows the ins and outs of Houston’s hidden history.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Londale Hotel

Our journey begins at the Londale Hotel, a rundown lodging where Ana Trujillo once lived. Known for her boast that she could kill someone with her shoe, her story sets an ominous tone. We don’t go inside; instead, standing outside and imagining the grim life lived within this flop house. It’s a stark reminder that evil can lurk in the most unassuming places.

Stop 2: Discovery Green

Next, we head to Discovery Green, right in downtown Houston. Beyond its current reputation as a lively park, it’s a site of tragedy—the 1982 murder of 16-year-old Sherry Lynn Strait by Carl Eugene Watts. Known as the Sunday morning slasher, Watts was a notorious serial killer. The quick stop here links the city’s current vibrancy to its dark past, showing how history quietly persists beneath the surface.

Stop 3: 3000 Tierwester St

Here, you’ll hear about Sheborah Latrice Thomas, who drowned her young children in 2016 and then rolled their bodies under her neighbor’s house. It’s a chilling case of desperation and madness that’s hard to forget. The stop includes a brief outdoor look with no entrance fees, but the story sticks with you.

Stop 4: 3838 Arbor St

This house was the childhood home of Dr. Larry Schacht, involved in the deadly cyanide poisoning at Jonestown, Guyana. Nearly 1,000 people died in that mass murder-suicide, including almost 300 children. Standing outside, you can reflect on how a childhood home can be connected, in some twisted way, to one of the most infamous cult tragedies.

Stop 5: 6909 Van Etten St

At this site, we learn about Naomi Dominguez, a school teacher murdered by Angel Maturino Resendiz, the so-called Railroad Killer. His crimes spanned several states, and this stop helps connect Houston’s local history with a broader national terror.

Stop 6: The Parklane

Here’s where a story turns even darker—Ana Trujillo, the woman from the first stop, murdered her boyfriend with her high heel shoe in 2013. It’s a gruesome, almost surreal detail that makes this stop unforgettable, emphasizing that sometimes, violence is close to home.

Stop 7 & 8: University of St. Thomas and Marshall Herff Applewhite

The university and Applewhite’s connection reveal how a charismatic music professor turned cult leader of Heaven’s Gate. Applewhite’s story is both fascinating and unsettling, illustrating how influence can lead to tragic ends. You’ll see where he taught and learn about his rise to cult leadership.

Stops 9-11: From Earline Clark’s home to the Railroad Killer’s violence

These stops link personal histories—like Vernon Howell (later known as David Koresh of Waco)—to broader themes of manipulation and violence. You’ll see the places where key figures grew up and where they committed or were victims of heinous acts.

Stops 12-16: The infamous crime scenes of Dean Corll

The final stops explore Houston’s most notorious serial killer, Dean Corll, and his victims. You’ll visit the site of the Corll Candy Store, the house where Corll lived, and the elementary school where many of his victims came from. These stops are sobering but essential for understanding the scope of his crimes. The tour concludes with a visit to a historic Houston restaurant, where you can reflect on the city’s strange mix of innocence and darkness.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guide
The success of this experience hinges on your guide’s knowledge. They weave the stories together, providing both facts and context, making these sites more than just creepy landmarks—they become windows into Houston’s less-visible history.

Authentic Outdoor Experience
Most stops are outdoor or brief exterior visits, making it accessible and practical. You won’t need to worry about long lines or entry fees, unless you choose to explore inside some places on your own.

Focus on Local and National Crimes
While many stops relate to Houston’s local history, some stories—like those of Resendiz or Applewhite—tie into wider national narratives, making the tour both intimate and expansive.

Value for the Price
At $150, the tour offers a substantial look at Houston’s dark side, with a knowledgeable guide and a unique itinerary. Compared to standard city tours, this provides a focused niche experience that delivers more than just surface-level sightseeing.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, which makes it a manageable half-day activity. Meeting at Houston City Hall is central, and the tour ends back there, making logistics simple. Since it’s a private tour, your group’s size is small, ensuring you get personal attention.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, the stop at Yale Street Grill—one of Houston’s oldest restaurants—gives you a chance to enjoy some local fare and mull over what you’ve learned.

Weather considerations are important; since most stops are outdoors, be prepared with sun protection or rain gear depending on the forecast. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, but keep in mind the intense nature of the stories if you have sensitive listeners.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare chance to see Houston through a darker lens—an unvarnished look at its most notorious crimes and cult history. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances storytelling with site visits, giving you a candid understanding of human depravity, local history, and the ways crime leaves its mark on a city.

For true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, or curious travelers, this journey is both educational and eye-opening. It’s not a light-hearted sightseeing trip, but for those interested in the more shadowy corners of Houston, it’s a compelling way to deepen your understanding of the city’s complex story.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers with a strong stomach for dark stories and a desire to understand Houston beyond its tourist attractions. If you find true crime fascinating and want an insider’s perspective on some of Houston’s most infamous moments, this tour will satisfy that curiosity. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate a personalized, guided experience over self-guided wandering, and who want to connect history with real-life stories of tragedy and influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, it’s led by an expert guide who provides storytelling at each stop, making it more than just a sightseeing walk.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, making it a manageable activity for a half-day.

Are entrance fees included?
Most stops do not require admission; they are outdoor or exterior visits. The tour price covers the guide, not any optional inside visits.

Can I bring children?
While most travelers can participate, be aware that the subject matter is dark and may not be suitable for young children.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most stops are outdoor and brief, but some walking and standing are involved, so consider this if mobility is a concern.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an open mind. No advanced preparation is necessary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are COVID-19 safety measures in place?
While not explicitly stated, most outdoor tours follow safety protocols; check directly with the provider for specifics.

To sum it up, the Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour offers an intriguing exploration of Houston’s darker chapters. It’s a thoughtful, detailed look at the city’s history of crime and cult activity that will appeal most to those with a fascination for true crime or an interest in the stories behind the headlines. With a knowledgeable guide, authentic outdoor stops, and a focus on local history, it offers both education and a bit of chilling entertainment—just be prepared for some heavy stories along the way.