Billy Chemirmir, a man convicted of killing two people and accused in the deaths of nearly two dozen others, was found dead in his cell in a Texas state prison early Tuesday morning, NBC 5 has learned.
Convicted Serial Killer Found Dead in Prison Cell
Billy Chemirmir, the man charged with killing 22 North Texas women over a two-year span, was found dead in his cell at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony near Palestine. The 50-year-old had been serving two life sentences without parole for his crimes. Chemirmir was found guilty of capital murder in October 2022 for the death of 87-year-old Mary Brooks, and he was later convicted of the murder charge for killing Lu Thi Harris.
Assailant Identified as Cellmate
According to officials from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Chemirmir’s cellmate, who is serving a sentence for murder out of Dallas County, was identified as the assailant. The TDCJ has not released further details about Chemirmir’s death, but they have stated that the Office of Inspector General is currently investigating the incident.
Closure for the Victims’ Families
The families of Chemirmir’s victims were notified of his death early Tuesday. After years of uncertainty and pain, this news brings closure to many who have suffered the loss of their loved ones at the hands of this suspected serial killer.
Method of Operation
Prosecutors revealed that Chemirmir targeted people inside their homes or at senior independent living centers, using pillows to smother them and steal their jewelry. Most of the deaths were initially ruled as natural causes, despite families reporting odd circumstances and missing jewelry. It was only after a woman survived an attack that police connected Chemirmir to the cases and reopened the investigations.
Legal Proceedings
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot had planned to secure two convictions against Chemirmir before dismissing the remaining cases. However, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced earlier this summer that his office would not pursue the nine capital murder indictments they had against Chemirmir. The decision was made not to try Chemirmir for these cases.
Investigative Series
Billy Chemirmir was the subject of an NBC 5 streaming series titled “Stranger at the Door.” This series delves into the dozens of deaths attributed to Chemirmir and the investigation surrounding his crimes. The series can be watched online or on TV, providing a comprehensive look into the chilling case.
Conclusion
Billy Chemirmir’s death in prison brings an end to a dark chapter in North Texas history. While the families of his victims can find some solace in knowing that he can no longer harm others, the investigation into his crimes and the impact on the community will continue. The Office of Inspector General’s investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding Chemirmir’s death and provide further closure for the victims’ families.
Original Story at www.nbcdfw.com – 2023-09-19 19:26:49