Haunted jail housed serial killer

WILLIAMSON COUNTY (KXAN) - Henry Lee Lucas confessed to killing 600 individuals. While awaiting trial for the murder of a woman nicknamed "Orange Socks," he stayed in a Georgetown jail that is now on display for fans of haunted spots.

"We have heard reports from those who work in the building that they felt cool air at times or had doors slam at times," said Williamson County spokesperson Connie Watson. "So, we've heard stories that it might actually be haunted."

The 100-year-old jail in Williamson County doesn't need much embellishment to send chills up the spine of any visitor. However, the county's Brown Santa Program has dressed it up a bit with blood splattered on the walls of the old jail cells and black lights along the cramped hallways.

The most bone-chilling part of the jail is the cell upstairs, where Lucas slept with secrets still undiscovered after his death. 30 years ago he was convicted of killing a woman whose body was found on Halloween. She was wearing only orange socks and, to this day, that's still the only way to identify the victim.

"Investigators are still trying to discover who she was," said Watson.

Lucas confessed to killing 600 people in his lifetime, though authorities said his claims are virtually impossible. Nevertheless, he is only of the country's most notorious evil-doers and Williamson County is hoping to see at least some good come out of his stay in the Georgetown jail.

All the proceeds from the haunted jail tour go to the Brown Santa program, which provides assistance to families in the area. Brown Santa donations are utilized to purchase toys, books and other items for Christmas.

The tour only lasts two nights this October, but thrill seekers are sure to go home satisfied. The tour runs from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. There is a suggested donation of $8/adults and $5/9-12 years. Children 8 and under are not allowed. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.