Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour

A Tour of Houston’s Dark Past: Psychos, Killers, and Victims

If you’re drawn to stories of true crime, cults, and the darker corners of human nature, the Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour offers an unsettling glimpse into Houston’s criminal history. Priced at $150 per person for approximately five hours, this private tour takes you through a series of locations associated with some of the most infamous figures and crimes from the 1960s onward. With a guide leading the way, you’ll visit places linked to serial killers, cult leaders, and tragic victims, gaining a deeper understanding of Houston’s darker episodes.

What we love about this tour is its attention to detail—each stop is carefully chosen and explained, giving you context that turns mere locations into narratives of chaos and tragedy. Plus, the flexible structure, including group discounts and mobile tickets, makes this a convenient, hassle-free experience for those interested in crime history.

However, be aware that the subject matter is undeniably heavy and potentially upsetting. It’s not suitable for children or sensitive travelers. This tour is best suited for adults with a curiosity for true crime, history buffs interested in the human psyche, or anyone seeking a uniquely intense way to explore Houston’s less glamorous stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Crime History: Visits to actual crime scenes and sites linked to infamous figures.
• Educational and Thought-Provoking: Offers detailed stories and context behind each location.
• Private, Flexible Experience: Only your group participates, with mobile ticket convenience.
• Heavy Subject Matter: Perfect for crime enthusiasts but not for sensitive audiences.
• Time Efficient: About five hours with numerous meaningful stops.
• Cost-Effective for Crime Aficionados: Offers insight into Houston’s darker history at a fair price.

An In-Depth Look at Houston’s Dark Side

The Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour is not your typical sightseeing jaunt. Instead, it functions as a moving true crime museum, taking you through Houston’s shadowy corners and narrating stories that are often shocking but historically significant. We’ll walk you through the itinerary, giving you a vivid picture of what to expect at each stop.

Starting Point: Houston City Hall

We meet here, a bustling downtown hub, and start with an overview of Houston’s crime history. From the very beginning, the guide emphasizes that this tour is meant to inform and evoke thought, not sensationalize.

Londale Hotel: Ana Trujillo’s Hideout

Our first stop is the Londale Hotel, a modest, rundown boarding house where Ana Trujillo once lived. Known for claiming she could kill with her shoe, Ana’s story hints at the bizarre and violent episodes that will follow during the tour. We only look at the building from the outside, which helps set the tone without dwelling on graphic details early on.

Discovery Green and the 1982 Murder

Next, we visit Discovery Green, where, back in 1982, 16-year-old Sherry Lynn Strait’s body was recovered. She fell prey to Carl Eugene Watts, a notorious serial killer known as the “Sunday Morning Slasher”. This site illustrates how crime can sometimes lurk beneath the surface of public spaces, and it’s a reminder of the importance of awareness and safety.

The Tragic Case of Sheborah Latrice Thomas

Moving to Tierwester Street, we see where Sheborah Latrice Thomas drowned in her bathtub in 2016, along with her young children. What makes this stop chilling is the detail that she wrapped their bodies in bedsheets and rolled them under her neighbor’s house—a stark reminder of how domestic tragedy can escalate into violence.

Dr. Larry Schacht’s Childhood Home

Nearby, we see the childhood home of Dr. Larry Schacht, connected to the infamous Jonestown massacre in 1978. Schacht’s association with the Kool-Aid cyanide poisonings that claimed over 900 lives in Guyana makes this stop sobering, revealing how a person’s early environment can intersect with extraordinary historical atrocities.

The Railroad Killer’s Crime Scene

Further along, we visit the Van Etten Street residence of Naomi Dominguez, a schoolteacher murdered by Angel Maturino Resendiz, the “Railroad Killer”. His methods of bludgeoning and stabbing victims near train tracks highlight the terrifying unpredictability of serial killers who exploit transient lifestyles.

The Dark Deed at The Parklane

At the Parklane, we learn about Ana Trujillo’s violent act of murder in 2013, when she stabbed her boyfriend with a high-heeled shoe. This unusual weapon underscores the unpredictable and sometimes bizarre ways violence manifests. It’s a reminder that crime can sometimes be committed with seemingly everyday objects.

The Cult Leader’s Residence: Marshall Herff Applewhite

One of the most compelling stops is the old home of Marshall Herff Applewhite, leader of the Heaven’s Gate cult. His story is particularly fascinating because it bridges the worlds of academia, charisma, and mass suicide. We see the house where he lived during his time at the University of St. Thomas, and learn how he transitioned from a respected professor to a cult leader.

The School and the House of Vernon Howell

The tour continues at the university where Applewhite once taught, and then moves to Vernon Howell’s childhood home. Howell, later known as David Koresh, was involved in one of the most infamous cult tragedies in U.S. history. These stops help us understand how charismatic you can influence others toward deadly paths.

The Scene of the Fred Rogers Wellness Check

The quiet neighborhood at W Pierce Street is the site of an event that ended in tragedy when police checked on Fred Rogers and his wife in 1965, revealing the vulnerability behind peaceful facades.

The Railroad Killer Strikes Again

We also revisit the Lehigh Avenue site where Resendiz murdered Dr. Claudia Benton Subiria. The brutal nature of this crime, involving a pediatric neurologist, adds to the unsettling narrative of Resendiz’s reign of terror.

The Quiet Neighborhood of Mary Cerruti

The tour’s final stops include a peaceful-looking neighborhood, where we learn about Mary Cerruti, a woman whose life ended quietly but whose story is part of Houston’s dark tapestry.

The Horrors of Dean Corll and His Victims

The last leg takes us to the notorious house where Dean Corll, known as the “Candy Man,” lived and committed his crimes with accomplices. The nearby candy store where he lured victims is a stark reminder of how evil can hide behind benign facades. The elementary school where some victims came from illustrates how tragedy can strike communities unexpectedly.

Lunch at Yale Street Grill

To break from the intensity, we stop at one of Houston’s oldest restaurants, the Yale Street Grill. Here, you can reflect on what you’ve seen while enjoying a meal in a historical setting — possibly catching some local lore about the city’s darker chapters.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

This tour is more than just a list of crime scenes; it offers a chance to understand the human stories behind the headlines. We loved how the guide contextualized each site, helping us see the psychology, circumstances, and environments that contributed to these tragedies. The stories of cult leaders, serial killers, and victims are all woven into Houston’s fabric, making this a unique way to explore the city’s history.

The private setting means your group can ask questions freely, and the mobile ticket option simplifies logistics. For those interested in true crime, history, or psychology, this tour offers an intimate look at some of America’s most disturbing stories.

A Few Considerations

The subject matter can be upsetting, especially for sensitive travelers or families. The tour’s focus on violence and tragedy means it’s not suitable for children or those looking for a light-hearted experience. Also, since the stops are mostly outdoor or from the street, there’s little opportunity to go inside buildings—this isn’t a museum visit but a viewing of sites with storytelling.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is best for adults with a curiosity about criminal psychology, cult history, or Houston’s darker stories. It’s ideal if you want a thought-provoking, educational experience that reveals parts of Houston most travelers never see. If you’re comfortable with heavy topics and want to understand the complexities of human behavior in extreme circumstances, this tour will suit you well.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, due to the heavy and sometimes disturbing subject matter, it’s intended for adults.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about five hours, covering numerous stops around Houston.

Are the tickets paid in advance?
Yes, ticketing is mobile, and booking ahead ensures your spot.

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, most stops are outside or from the street, focusing on locations associated with the stories.

Is there any walking involved?
Yes, expect some walking between locations, but it’s manageable for most.

Can I get a group discount?
Group discounts are available, making it more affordable for organized groups.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most people can participate, but be prepared for some outdoor walking and standing.

Will I learn about the victims?
Yes, the guide shares stories about victims and perpetrators, putting a human face on each story.

In essence, the Psychos, Killers, and Victims Tour offers a rarely seen, detailed look into Houston’s darker history. It’s intense but rewarding for those with a genuine interest in the stories behind the headlines. Be prepared for a sobering experience, but also for a deeper understanding of how human psychology and environment shape some of the most tragic events in the city’s past.