Willard Karmon Rusty Branch Jr was a 17-year-old white male from Houston who died on November 9, 1972. He was known to hitchhike and disappeared in early November 1972; his remains were recovered in August 1973, buried in a boat shed with 16 other victims at that location.

Investigators determined Rusty was one of the victims of Dean Corll. Two teenagers, Elmer Wayne Henley and David Owen Brooks, assisted Corll in luring, murdering and burying young men and boys between 1971 and 1973. Henley turned himself in to police in August 1973, which led to the discovery of the bodies; Corll was killed by Henley before Corll could be arrested. Henley and Brooks were later convicted and sentenced for their roles.

Rusty’s sister Susan McLemore helped identify his remains. If anyone knew Rusty, his travels, or saw him hitchhiking in November 1972, please come forward with information.