Medical examiner believes she has found another victim of 1970s Houston serial killer

By MONICA RHOR , Associated Press

Last update: November 11, 2009 - 9:58 PM

HOUSTON - A medical examiner in Texas believes she has found another victim of a serial killer who terrorized Houston in the early 1970s.

Sharon Derrick with the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday that the body of Joseph Allen Lyles was identified through DNA analysis. It's been more than 36 years since Lyles disappeared and 26 since his body was found buried on a beach.

Derrick believes Lyles was the victim of serial killer Dean Corll, who tortured and killed more than two dozen young boys.

Derrick says Lyles was listed as a possible victim by investigators in 1973. Also, she says, his body was buried in a similar manner as other victims. An investigation is ongoing.

Corll was shot and killed in August 1973.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. corrects number of years since body was found to 26 sted 16.)

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