The chilling case of Billy Chemirmir, accused of killing 18 elderly women in the Dallas area, reached a milestone on Thursday, April 20, 2023, as he was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. This verdict comes after a previous mistrial and marks a victory for the families of the victims who have long awaited justice.
This conviction centers around the March 2018 murder of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Prosecutors presented a compelling narrative, arguing that Chemirmir followed Harris home from a Walmart, smothered her, and stole her jewelry. The jury deliberated for a mere 45 minutes before delivering the guilty verdict.
FILE – Defendant Billy Chemirmir lowers his mask as a state witness is asked to identify him during his murder trial at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Nov. 17, 2021. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool, File)
A Pattern of Deception and Violence
While this trial focused solely on the death of Lu Thi Harris, the prosecution strategically introduced evidence related to other cases, painting a picture of Chemirmir’s alleged modus operandi. They highlighted the attack on 91-year-old Mary Annis Bartel, who narrowly survived a similar attack just one day before Harris’s murder. Furthermore, they presented evidence linking Chemirmir to the death of 87-year-old Mary Brooks six weeks prior. These additional cases served to establish a pattern of predatory behavior targeting vulnerable elderly women.
Chemirmir’s arrest stemmed from the attack on Bartel. After she reported the incident, police connected a suspicious person report from her independent living community to Chemirmir’s vehicle. Upon apprehending him, officers discovered jewelry and cash in his possession. A subsequent search of a nearby dumpster yielded a red jewelry box containing documents that led investigators to Harris’s home, where they found her lifeless body.
FILE – This undated photo provided by the Dallas County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office shows Billy Chemirmir. (Dallas County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File)
Justice for Eighteen Families
The sheer number of victims attributed to Chemirmir is staggering. As authorities reinvestigated deaths initially classified as natural causes, the scope of his alleged crimes expanded. The victims, predominantly elderly women, were found deceased in their apartments at independent living communities and private residences. Chemirmir is accused of gaining access to their homes by posing as a handyman or forcing his way in.
The Prosecution’s Case: A Trail of Evidence
The prosecution presented a strong case against Chemirmir, leveraging surveillance footage placing him and Harris at the same Walmart on the day of her murder. They also presented evidence showing that Chemirmir had listed jewelry belonging to both Bartel and Brooks for sale online. This digital footprint further solidified their argument, linking him directly to the crimes.
The Defense’s Argument: Lack of Concrete Proof
Despite the mounting evidence, the defense maintained Chemirmir’s innocence, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was ever at Harris’s home. Defense attorney Kobby Warren characterized the state’s case as “all bark, no bite.” Similar to the first trial, the defense opted not to call any witnesses, and Chemirmir did not testify.
A Community and Families Seek Closure
The families of the victims expressed relief and gratitude following the verdict. Shannon Dion, whose 92-year-old mother, Doris Gleason, was another victim, spoke on behalf of the grieving families, stating, “This one conviction represents justice for all of the families.” M.J. Jennings, whose 83-year-old mother, Leah Corken, was also killed, expressed hope that the conviction would mark the beginning of the healing process for the families.
A Chilling Testimony
Although Mary Annis Bartel passed away in 2020, her chilling testimony, delivered via a taped deposition, resonated throughout the courtroom. She recounted the harrowing details of the attack, describing the green rubber gloves her attacker wore and the terrifying moment he forced his way into her apartment, instructing her to lie on the bed before smothering her with a pillow.
Looking Ahead
While this conviction brings closure to one case, the legal battles are far from over. Chemirmir faces capital murder charges in the deaths of 12 other women in Dallas County and five more in Collin County. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot has indicated his intention to pursue at least one more death penalty case against Chemirmir. The fight for justice continues for the remaining victims and their families.
