The trial of a man accused of killing several older women has been set for Nov.12 in Dallas County.
The accused, Billy Chemirmir, is charged with killing 18 people at senior living centers in Dallas and Collin counties. Prosecutors allege that Chemirmir posed as a healthcare worker or maintenance technician to gain access to the women’s homes before robbing and killing them. They also say that the suspect kills his victims by suffocating them.
Dallas County’s District Attorney John Creuzot has previously said that he won’t seek the death penalty because of logistical challenges. Creuzot told the families he would instead focus on getting consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for Billy Chemirmir.
Creuzot’s decision not to seek the death penalty for Chemirmir did not go down well with the families of the deceased. The decision was heavily criticized by many, including State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco.
Patterson was heavily critical of the Dallas County attorney’s decision not to seek the death penalty. While reacting to Creuzot’s decision, he said, “It’s a pattern we’re seeing in Dallas of lawlessness being acceptable.” Patterson added, “If you are going to murder 18 to 24 people and not get the death penalty, then what are we doing?”
Chemirmir has been charged with 13 counts of capital murder in Dallas County and could still face the death penalty for his crimes in Collin County. Chemirmir will be prosecuted first in Dallas County, then face trial in Collin County courts.