Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten - Season 2, Episode 1: "The Unlocked Door"

Introduction

The Unforgotten, presented by Free Range Productions, delves deep into the harrowing true story of one of Dallas's most prolific serial killers targeting senior living communities. In the premiere episode of Season 2, titled "The Unlocked Door," host Charlie Scudder unpacks the chilling details of these unresolved murders, the systemic failures that allowed them to continue, and the personal stories of the victims and their families. Released on October 14, 2024, this episode serves as a critical examination of ageism and vulnerabilities within senior care systems.

Setting the Scene: Preston Place Apartments

The narrative begins at Preston Place Apartments in Plano, Texas, an independent living senior community designed to offer autonomy to its residents. Charlie Scudder introduces listeners to the community, highlighting its open-air hallways and accessible amenities. Despite its appearance as a safe haven, Preston Place becomes the epicenter of a series of tragic events.

The Attack on Mary Bartel

On March 19, 2018, Jackie Midkiff discovered her friend Mary Bartel unconscious in her apartment at Preston Place. The episode recounts the tense moments as Jackie contacts emergency services:

• Dispatcher (00:01:07): "Are you inside with your neighbor?"

• Charlie Scudder (03:07): "Paramedics rushed to Mary's side..."

Mary's initial testimonies at the hospital reveal a terrifying encounter:

• Mary Bartel (03:57): "I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves. Number one, I should not have opened the door. Number two, my life was in grave danger." [03:57]

She describes how an unknown assailant forced her onto the bed, making her unable to move or call for help. This account was puzzling to the paramedics, who initially dismissed it as a nightmare since Mary was found in her bed, not at the gym where she attended classes.

The Tragedy Strikes Again: Ann Conklin's Death

Simultaneously, Jenny Bassett arrives at Preston Place to find her mother, Ann Conklin, lifeless across the hall from Mary Bartel. Jenny recounts the shock of discovering her mother's body:

• Jenny Bassett (07:07): "She just was very rattled by the whole thing, like I said. And then she called me immediately and she said, oh my goodness, you're going to be so mad at me..."

The coincidental timing of these two deaths raises suspicions, hinting at a serial pattern that had gone unnoticed.

A Prolific Serial Killer Emerges

Charlie Scudder delves into the broader series of murders targeting seniors across multiple communities in North Texas. Beginning in early 2016, a string of deaths marked by missing valuables suggested a pattern:

• Catherine Propst Sinclair (04:00): An 87-year-old physician found dead, with valuables missing. Her nephew suspected foul play, but authorities attributed her death to natural causes.

• Solomon Spring (08:11): The only male victim found dead in a pool of blood, yet still declared a natural death.

The pattern continued with multiple women found dead in various senior living communities, all initially ruled as natural deaths despite evidence of theft.

Investigation and Uncovering the Truth

As suspicions grew, Plano detectives began investigating the anomalies:

• Detective Insight: "If this string of robberies and deaths had happened on a college campus like Southern Methodist University, it would have been a top news story..."

The breakthrough came with Mary Bartel's detailed testimony, leading police to identify Billy Kipkorir Shamirmir, a 45-year-old Kenyan immigrant and former senior caregiver. His modus operandi involved smothering victims to avoid detection by mimicking natural deaths and stealing valuables.

Systemic Failures and Ageism

A critical theme explored in the episode is the role of ageism in allowing these crimes to persist:

• Linda Prickett (22:25): "Ageism first, second and third ageism... because no one cares about this population."

• Dr. Michael Wasserman (22:29): A geriatrician emphasizing the need for societal change in how elders are perceived and protected.

The episode argues that societal indifference and systemic oversights facilitated the continuation of Shamirmir's killing spree, highlighting the urgent need for better security and respect for senior communities.

Personal Stories and Community Impact

Through interviews with victims' families and community members, the episode paints a poignant picture of loss and resilience:

• Karen Harris (25:36): Describes discovering her mother's body and the unique grief of knowing her death was a result of malicious intent.

• Jenny Bassett (32:17): Reflects on her mother's pragmatic approach to safety and the dismissive attitudes towards early warnings.

These personal narratives underscore the human cost of the systemic failures discussed earlier.

Conclusion: Lessons and Moving Forward

Charlie Scudder concludes the episode by contemplating what could have been done differently to prevent these tragedies. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance, better investigative practices, and societal respect for the elderly to ensure such stories do not repeat.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mary Bartel (03:57): "I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves. Number one, I should not have opened the door. Number two, my life was in grave danger."

• Linda Prickett (22:25): "Ageism first, second and third ageism... because no one cares about this population."

• Karen Harris (31:02): "If I thought that my mom had died of natural causes, I would have still been sad, but I could have been joyous knowing that she was in heaven with my dad. It's such a different level of grief when you know that someone has mistreated your loved one."

Final Thoughts

"The Unlocked Door" serves as a gripping introduction to Season 2 of The Unforgotten, blending investigative journalism with deeply personal stories to shed light on a dark chapter in Dallas's history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Charlie Scudder not only recounts the events but also challenges listeners to reflect on societal attitudes towards aging and the imperative to protect our most vulnerable populations.