Slain prisoner who was accused of killing 22 older women was stabbed

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Criminal Justice

Introduction

DALLAS — A Texas prisoner accused of smothering to death 22 older women in their Dallas-area homes so he could steal jewelry and other valuables was stabbed by his cellmate in an attack last month that killed him, authorities said.

Details of the Incident

The inmate accused of killing Billy Chemirmir, 50, on Sept. 19 at a rural East Texas prison was Wyatt Busby, 39, according to a Monday report from the Office of the Inspector General, which is investigating the killing. The report says Chemirmir, who was serving life in prison after being convicted last year in the slayings of two of the women, was “stabbed/beaten to death.”

Cause of Death

A custodial death report filed with the attorney general’s office last week said that Chemirmir was killed with a “knife/edged instrument.” That report said that the means of death was blunt force trauma, but that the cause of death was pending.

Lockdown and Investigation

Chemirimir was killed in the Coffield Unit about two weeks after the Texas Department of Criminal Justice placed its 100 prisons on a rare statewide lockdown because of a rise in the number of killings inside the facilities. While most prisons had resumed normal operations by Wednesday, the Coffield Unit remained on lockdown.

Background and Arrest

Chemirmir was arrested in 2018 after a 91-year-old woman survived an attack and told police a man had forced his way into her apartment at an independent living community for seniors, tried to smother her with a pillow and took her jewelry.

Conviction and Sentencing

Police said they found Chemirmir the following day in the parking lot of his apartment complex holding jewelry and cash, having just thrown away a large red jewelry box. Documents in the jewelry box led them to the home of Lu Thi Harris, 81, who was dead in her bedroom. Chemirmir was convicted of capital murder in the death of Harris and in a later trial in the killing of Mary Brooks, 87. Chemirmir, who maintained his innocence, was serving two sentences of life without the possibility of parole.

Impact and Further Investigation

After Chemirmir’s arrest, police across the Dallas area began reexamining deaths, and the charges against him grew. He was eventually indicted on 22 capital murder charges.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The issue of violence resulting in death is connected to SDG 3, as it aims to ensure good health and well-being for all individuals.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article mentions violence against women, specifically older women, which relates to SDG 5 that focuses on achieving gender equality and eliminating violence against women and girls.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article highlights the vulnerability of older women to violence, indicating a potential inequality in society. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, including inequalities based on age.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The article discusses violence within prisons, which is related to SDG 16 that focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.6: Reduce the number of deaths and injuries from violence and accidents

The article highlights the death of Billy Chemirmir, who was allegedly killed by his cellmate. This incident relates to the target of reducing deaths from violence.

Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres

The article mentions that Chemirmir targeted older women in their homes to steal jewelry and valuables. This indicates violence against women and aligns with the target of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

The vulnerability of older women to violence suggests a potential lack of social inclusion and equality. Target 10.2 aims to empower and promote the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of age or other factors.

Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

The article discusses violence within prisons, which aligns with the target of reducing all forms of violence and related death rates.

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

The article mentions the Office of the Inspector General investigating the killing of Chemirmir. This relates to the target of promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, relevant indicators can be derived from the targets themselves.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators