Norma French, an 85-year-old Caucasian woman, passed away on October 8, 2016. Born on August 14, 1931, in Galveston, Texas, Norma was a beloved member of her community and family. She graduated from Ball High School and attended the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. Norma was a dedicated homemaker and wife, known for her warm smile and sparkling eyes.
She was deeply involved in her church and enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and gardening.
Norma's death was initially believed to be from natural causes. However, on April 18, 2019, her death certificate was amended to indicate "homicidal violence including smothering." This revelation came as part of a broader investigation into the deaths of elderly women in the Dallas area. Norma's death was linked to Billy Chemirmir, a 46-year-old home health worker who was charged with multiple counts of capital murder. Chemirmir was accused of smothering his victims with a pillow to steal their jewelry and other valuables.
Chemirmir's arrest in March 2018 led to the re-examination of numerous deaths in the Dallas and Collin counties. He was indicted on multiple charges of capital murder, including the deaths of Norma French and several other elderly women. Chemirmir's method of operation involved posing as a maintenance worker or health care aide to gain access to his victims' homes. Once inside, he would smother them with a pillow and steal their belongings.
The investigation into Chemirmir's actions revealed a pattern of targeting elderly women living alone. His arrest and subsequent indictments brought some measure of closure to the families of his victims, who had long suspected foul play in the deaths of their loved ones. Chemirmir was held in Dallas County jail on a $9.1 million bond and faced numerous charges, including attempted murder.
Norma French's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of vigilance in protecting our loved ones. Her life, filled with love, faith, and dedication to her family, was cut short by a senseless act of violence. The ongoing legal proceedings against Chemirmir continue to shed light on the extent of his crimes and the impact on the families of his victims.
