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A Texas prisoner accused of killing 22 women was slain by his cellmate last week according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) spokesperson Hannah Haney. His death occurred during a prison lockdown.  

Billy Chemirmir, a serial killer serving two life sentences for the murders of elderly women, was found dead in his cell at a prison in rural East Texas. 

He was incarcerated at the Coffield Unit, a sprawling 3,818-bed prison located in Tennessee Colony, an unincorporated community east of Palestine. This facility is situated approximately 100 miles southeast of Dallas, where he committed his crimes.

News of Chemirmir's death comes just two weeks after a highly unusual statewide lockdown of all Texas prisons.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) initially cited concerns about drug-related issues within the prisons as the reason behind the lockdown. However, more recent reports from officials point to a concerning surge in inmate homicides and violence as the main reason for the lockdown.

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Texas Prison Lockdown

The Texas Tribune reported that a day before the statewide lockdown was enforced, an incident at the Coffield Unit led to the termination of seven correctional officers and the resignations of another six.

 The situation prompted the TDCJ Office of Inspector General to initiate over 500 criminal investigations into illegal activities involving inmates, staff, and prison visitors.

In particular, the rise in inmate homicides has been a significant concern. According to TDCJ spokesperson Jeremy Hernandez, there have been 16 inmate homicides this year alone, a stark increase compared to previous years. Last year saw seven inmate homicides, while the year prior there were nine murders.

It's worth noting that while TDCJ officials claim 16 inmate homicides this year, their online custodial death reports show only 11 homicides. Hernandez clarified that the online records were filed before TDCJ officials received some of the final toxicology and autopsy reports from local medical facilities.

Since lockdown began, 20 inmates have died according to TDCJ custodial death reports. The manner of death in 13 of the incidents was deemed “natural.” Three inmates died of suicide. Four cases remain pending due to a lack of autopsy results.

Since the commencement of the lockdown, the TDCJ has conducted thorough searches in 50 state prisons to root out contraband. Their efforts have yielded a disturbing haul, including 196 cell phones, 34.5 gallons of alcohol, 274 weapons, and varying quantities of amphetamines, fentanyl, cocaine, PCP, and synthetic marijuana.

Roughly half of Texas's prisons have resumed regular operations, including inmate visiting privileges. However, the persistent challenges and alarming discoveries in the wake of the lockdown have raised pressing questions about the state's penal system and the safety of both inmates and staff.

Texas Serial Killer

 Billy Chemirmir first came to public attention when he was apprehended after a 91-year-old woman survived a 2018 attack. She recounted how a man had forcibly entered her apartment in an independent living community for seniors, attempted to smother her with a pillow, and stole her jewelry.

His arrest prompted law enforcement to revisit multiple deaths in the area, leading to additional charges against Chemirmir. Throughout the legal proceedings, he consistently asserted his innocence.

He was convicted in two of the 21 cases brought against him. And was serving two life sentences before his murder in prison. His death serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Texas penal system in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those within its walls.