Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten — Season 2, Episode 2: "The Caregivers"
Date: October 21, 2024
Host: Charlie Scudder (A)
Production: Free Range Productions

Overview

This gripping episode dives into the systemic vulnerabilities of independent living communities for seniors, told through the voice of a Texas cowboy, Dan Probst, whose aunt was among the first known murder victims at the Edgemere independent living facility. The story gradually widens through the experience of security guard Josh Alleman (B), who slowly pieces together the pattern of deaths and missing valuables, ultimately uncovering the actions of the most prolific serial killer in Dallas history. Key industry experts weigh in to explain the complex, loosely regulated world of senior living, raising crucial questions about responsibility, oversight, and the tragedy of what went unseen.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Dan Probst and the Death of Kathryn Probst Sinclair (00:01–04:32)

• Dan’s background: A self-described Texas cowboy caring for his Aunt Kathy, who moved from Missouri to Texas to be closer to family after a career as Dr. Katharine Probst.
• Aunt Kathy’s move and lifestyle: She lived independently at Edgemere, an exclusive senior community with high-end amenities.
• Discovery of her death: Kathy is found dead at 87 in her Edgemere apartment by a housekeeper—her valuables, including a crucial locked safe, are missing.
• Immediate suspicion: Dan is the first to see the situation as foul play.

  “Safe gone, Kathy dead … I’m calling and making a robbery report, and I’m going to ask Edgemere to somehow seal that room. I don’t want anybody else in or out of that apartment.” — Dan Probst (C), 04:22

2. Security at Edgemere: Josh Alleman’s Story (04:32–16:12)

• Josh’s background: Former Mesquite mayor’s son, aspiring pastor, turned security guard at Edgemere for better income.
• Life and culture at Edgemere: Lavish amenities, close relationships with residents, and a trusting, familial environment.
• Initial warning signs: Deaths among residents were considered rare; but several “natural” deaths with stolen valuables begin to raise questions in Josh's mind.
• A new caregiver: Josh notes a pattern with a notorious resident cycling through caregivers—until “Benjamin Coitiba” (later revealed as Billy Chemirmir), who seemed unusually positive and collected.

3. Red Flags and Growing Suspicion (16:12–17:29)

• Strange incidents: Multiple reports of a man impersonating ‘maintenance,’ attempting access to residents’ apartments.
• Security response: After catching “Benjamin” wandering unauthorized, police are called; he’s issued a criminal trespass warning but not arrested (13:31).
• Pattern emerges: Multiple suspicious deaths on weekends, valuables missing, but law enforcement and management continue to call it natural causes.

4. Investigating the Industry: How Independent Senior Living Works (17:29–24:33)

• Expert commentary:
  • Dr. Michael Wasserman (D, 18:23): Explains the levels of senior care and the heightened vulnerability of older adults, regardless of setting.

    “To ignore that is folly. The health and well-being of people in assisted livings and group homes and … a retirement community … [must be considered].” — Dr. Wasserman (19:59)

  • David Schless (E, 21:11): Traces the rise of independent living, where residents pay high prices for autonomy, but oversight is less stringent. Many such facilities aren’t regulated like nursing homes.
• Edgemere’s status: High costs don't guarantee security; the system’s ambiguity creates fertile ground for exploitation.

5. The Hunt for Billy Chemirmir (24:33–33:07)

• The trap is set: Josh and other staff determine Chemirmir’s pattern—he enters during shift change, targets vulnerable residents, and blends in by impersonating staff.
• Dramatic confrontation and arrest: After coordinating, staff catch him on camera and physically detain him until police arrive (26:14–27:48).
  • Notable confrontation:

    “We opened that manila envelope … there was a gun … the police later on told us it was unloaded. There was a magnet.” — Josh (B, 27:33)

  • The magnet was used by Chemirmir to distinguish real from fake jewelry.
• Identity revealed: Police discover “Benjamin Coitiba” is in fact Billy Chemirmir.

6. Aftermath, Regret, and Systemic Failures (29:36–34:56)

• Josh tries in vain to raise the alarm: He connects resident deaths and thefts, but management tells him to “put it in your file,” urging him not to contact police yet.
• Ignored warnings:

  “I just felt like I was right about it. But I still like wrestling with that. I hate it, you know, I hate it because I was right.” — Josh (B, 33:18)

• Legal results: Despite evidence and weapon possession, Chemirmir gets 70 days for criminal trespass (serves only 12), and is quickly back at large—in another senior facility, more deaths follow.
• Impact on Josh: The psychological toll of being unheard, obsessive checking of Chemirmir’s name, and sense of helplessness.

Notable Quotes & Moments With Timestamps

• Dan Probst on his reaction to the safe’s disappearance:
  “Safe gone, Kathy dead … I’m calling and making a robbery report, and I’m going to ask Edgemere to somehow seal that room.” (04:22)
• Josh Alleman on being ignored:
  “They told me to write it down, put it in your file, and if anything else comes up, we’ll bring it forward to the police. […] So you don’t want me to go to the police yet? ‘No, not yet.’” (31:16)
• Industry insight, Dr. Wasserman:
  “To ignore that is folly. To ignore that is ignoring the fact that the health and well being of people in assisted livings and group homes…” (19:59)
• On the industry model, David Schless:
  “There’s just a lot more to choose from.” (21:23)
• Confronting Chemirmir, Josh recalls:
  “We stop him. We stopped a thief. So we were … excited. And right after that, we went to IHOP together to celebrate.” (28:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–04:32: Dan Probst describes Aunt Kathy’s move and the day of her death.
• 04:32–13:31: Security guard Josh Alleman’s introduction, work at Edgemere, suspicions, and the first investigation into “Benjamin Coitiba.”
• 13:31–17:29: Pattern of deaths and thefts emerges, staff and police response.
• 17:29–24:33: Experts outline the framework and pitfalls of independent senior living.
• 24:33–29:12: Catching Chemirmir, dramatic takedown, and discoveries.
• 29:12–34:56: Aftermath, ignored warnings, management apathy, Josh’s psychological burden, Chemirmir’s release, and systemic questioning.

Tone & Final Thoughts

The episode masterfully blends intimacy—Charlie’s rapport with Dan and Josh—with a slow-burn escalation reminiscent of true crime standards. The conversational tone distills complex industry realities, grounding them in personal tragedy. The host’s empathy and frustration surface, echoing the outrage and heartbreak of families and front-line caregivers who saw what others would not.

“I just felt like I was right about it. But … I hate it, because I was right.” — Josh Alleman (33:18)

For Listeners:
This episode offers a nuanced, often emotional investigation into how the cracks in elder care can become chasms when responsibility is ambiguous—and who bears the weight of truth when no one is listening.