Convicted murderer Billy Chemirmir, who was suspected of killing over 20 elderly women, was found dead in his jail cell at a Texas state prison on Tuesday morning. The 50-year-old was serving a life sentence without parole for two counts of capital murder.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed that Chemirmir’s cellmate, who is currently serving a murder sentence, was identified as the assailant. However, the authorities did not release the cellmate’s name or provide details about Chemirmir’s cause of death.
Chemirmir had been accused of killing 22 elderly women in Dallas and Collin Counties between 2016 and 2018. The investigation into his crimes began in March 2018 when one of his alleged victims, Mary Bartel, survived an attack and reported it to the police. According to Bartel, Chemirmir, a former healthcare worker, forcibly entered her apartment at a senior living center, smothered her with a pillow, and stole her jewelry.
In April 2022, Chemirmir was convicted of capital murder in the death of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris and 87-year-old Mary Brooks. However, he was not tried for the other alleged murder cases. Most of Chemirmir’s victims were killed in a similar manner, with him gaining access to their homes by pretending to be a maintenance worker or by forcing his way in.
Chemirmir’s crimes were described as particularly disturbing by then-Plano police chief Gregory W. Rushin, who noted that he used his healthcare experience to exploit vulnerable seniors. The investigation into his actions revealed a pattern of targeting and preying on elderly individuals, who are often more trusting and susceptible to manipulation.
The death of Billy Chemirmir brings an end to a case that shocked and saddened many, leaving unanswered questions about the full extent of his crimes and the closure that victims’ families may never fully receive.
Definitions:
– Capital murder: A crime that is punished by the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
– Assailant: A person who attacks or commits an act of violence against another.
– Parole: The release of a prisoner before the completion of their full sentence, subject to certain conditions.
Sources:
– Original article on People
