Convicted murderer Billy Chemirmir, who was suspected of killing more than 20 elderly women, was found dead in his jail cell at a Texas state prison, according to officials. The 50-year-old was serving a life sentence without parole for two counts of capital murder at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed Chemirmir’s death and stated that his cellmate, who is currently serving a murder sentence, has been identified as the assailant. However, the cellmate’s name and the cause of Chemirmir’s death have not been disclosed.
Chemirmir’s alleged killing spree targeted elderly women between 2016 and 2018 in Dallas and Collin Counties. His crimes came to light in March 2018 after one of his intended victims, 91-year-old Mary Bartel, survived an attack. She reported that Chemirmir forced his way into her apartment at a senior living center and smothered her with a pillow before stealing her jewelry.
During the investigation, police found incriminating evidence, including a red jewelry box, at the scene of Bartel’s attack, which led them to the home of another victim, 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Most of Chemirmir’s alleged victims were killed using the same method, with him either forcing his way into their apartments or posing as a maintenance worker to gain entry.
Chemirmir’s case highlights the vulnerability of seniors in the community and the exploitation of his healthcare experience to carry out these crimes. He was convicted of capital murder in the smothering death of Harris and the killing of 87-year-old Mary Brooks.
Source: PEOPLE
