Martha Williams, an 80-year-old woman, died on March 4, 2018. Her death was ruled a homicide and linked to Billy Chemirmir, a suspected serial killer. Chemirmir, 47, was charged with 12 counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of elderly women in Dallas and Collin counties. Martha Williams, along with Ann Conklin, 82, were allegedly robbed and killed by Chemirmir at the Preston Place retirement community.
The lawsuit for Williams accuses the living facility of negligence and wrongful death. Court records show that both women were killed in the same way—smothered by a pillow. Martha Williams had moved to Preston Place on May 11, 2017, believing it to be a safe place for elderly residents living alone. However, less than a year after moving in, she was allegedly killed by Chemirmir. Her daughter, Hollyn Williams, found her lying on the floor dead when she went to check on her mother after being unable to reach her by phone.
The lawsuit claims that the apartment management failed to take meaningful measures to address previously reported incidents and security concerns in the community. Workers at the complex were not required to wear ID badges, making it difficult for residents to identify employees. The management was aware of suspicious activities dating back to September 2015, and the lawsuit argues that both Conklin and Williams' deaths could have been prevented if proper security measures had been in place. The victims' families say that the apartment management's negligence contributed to the deaths of their loved ones.
Billy Chemirmir's victims were targeted and killed for their valuables. The lawsuit states that Chemirmir's victims were susceptible to being targeted due to their age and living situation. The families of the victims have joined together to seek justice and hold the apartment management accountable for their negligence. The lawsuit highlights the need for better security measures and oversight in senior living communities to protect vulnerable residents from harm.
