Billy Chemirmir, 49, has been found guilty of capital murder for the second time, solidifying his life sentence without parole for the death of 87-year-old Mary Brooks. This verdict comes after a previous conviction for the murder of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris, part of a string of 22 alleged murders of elderly women in the Dallas area spanning two years. Chemirmir’s predatory pattern involved smothering his victims and stealing their valuables, often leading initial investigations to mistakenly attribute deaths to natural causes.
Photographs of victims, including Mary Brooks, displayed during Billy Chemirmir’s trial.
The Pattern of Deception: Targeting Vulnerable Seniors
The prosecution presented a chilling narrative of Chemirmir’s calculated scheme. They argued he stalked and surveilled elderly women, targeting them for their vulnerability and valuable possessions. After gaining access to their homes, he would smother them and steal their jewelry, leaving families grieving and initially unaware of the foul play. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot emphasized the deliberate nature of Chemirmir’s actions, describing them as a “conscious, dedicated effort to stalk, surveil, kill, steal, strip and sell.” While Creuzot opted not to pursue the death penalty, he affirmed that with two life sentences, Chemirmir will “die in a penitentiary.” The remaining 11 capital murder cases against Chemirmir in Dallas County will be dismissed. The status of nine additional cases in Collin County remains undetermined.
Key Evidence and the Pursuit of Justice
In Brooks’ case, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Chemirmir followed her home from Walmart before committing the murder and stealing her jewelry. This mirrored the circumstances surrounding Harris’s death, where Chemirmir was also seen at the same Walmart where Harris had shopped just hours before her death. The prosecution also introduced crucial DNA evidence linking Chemirmir to the death of 80-year-old Martha Williams for the first time, further strengthening their case. Cellphone records placing Chemirmir near the victims’ locations and evidence of him possessing or selling their jewelry provided additional compelling evidence for the jury.
A Survivor’s Story: Unraveling the Web of Deceit
The arrest of Chemirmir was triggered by the courageous survival of Mary Annis Bartel, then 91, who fought back when he attacked her in her apartment in March 2018. Bartel’s description of the attack, including the attacker wearing rubber gloves, played a pivotal role in identifying Chemirmir and uncovering the extent of his crimes. Following his arrest, police re-examined numerous deaths initially attributed to natural causes, ultimately leading to a cascade of charges against him. Many families of the victims expressed their initial bewilderment at the seemingly natural deaths of their otherwise healthy and active mothers, a tragic testament to the deceptive nature of Chemirmir’s crimes.
Billy Chemirmir in court during his trial.
The Defense’s Argument and the Path to Appeal
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the defense argued that the prosecution had not presented enough conclusive proof to convict Chemirmir. Defense attorney Phillip Hayes urged the jury not to “plug in the holes” in the prosecution’s case and maintained Chemirmir’s innocence. Following the guilty verdict, Hayes announced his intention to appeal.
Families Seek Closure and Justice Prevails
The swift verdict, reached in under 30 minutes, brought a sense of closure to the families of the victims. Ann Brooks, daughter of Mary Brooks, expressed relief that Chemirmir would never again harm another family. While the loss of their loved ones and their stolen possessions remains a painful reality, the families find solace in the justice served and the enduring memories of their mothers. The case of Billy Chemirmir serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the elderly and the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving seemingly natural deaths. The successful prosecution, driven by the bravery of a survivor and the meticulous work of law enforcement, ultimately brought a dangerous predator to justice.
The Aftermath and the Future
With Chemirmir’s conviction, the families of the victims can begin to heal, knowing that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The case also highlights the need for increased vigilance and support for senior citizens living independently, ensuring their safety and well-being. While the legal battles may continue with potential appeals, the guilty verdict marks a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families, bringing a measure of closure to a tragic chapter in the Dallas community.
