Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten
Episode 3: The Sisterhood
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: Free Range Productions

Overview

In the third episode of The Unforgotten, titled The Sisterhood, host Charlie Scudder delves into the mysterious and unsettling series of deaths at the Tradition Prestonwood, a luxury senior living community in Dallas, Texas. This episode uncovers how systemic failures and overlooked red flags allowed a prolific serial killer, Billy Shamirmere, to operate within these privileged walls, leaving a trail of grief and unanswered questions among the families of the victims.

Introduction to Tradition Prestonwood

The episode opens with the tragic story of Norma French and her daughter Ellen House. Norma, an 85-year-old resident of Tradition Prestonwood, was found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances. Ellen, deeply involved in managing her mother's affairs, becomes the central figure in unveiling the dark truths behind these deaths.

Norma French’s Mysterious Death

Norma French's death in early fall 2016 marked the beginning of a series of unexplained fatalities at Tradition Prestonwood. On [00:51], Ellen recounts the horrifying discovery:

Ellen House (00:51): "We talk every day, you know. Yeah, you're not going to be sitting there dead for a couple days. Right."

Norma was found face down, with no immediate signs of trauma, and crucial jewelry missing from her possession, including her wedding ring and a cherished gold cross. Ellen's insistence on seeing her mother's body for closure [06:07] highlights the family's quest for answers:

Ellen House (06:07): "I wanted to see her earthly body before. I never saw it again. And so they did, and they sent it to Michael, my husband..."

Suspicion of Theft and Initial Investigations

The absence of Norma's jewelry raised immediate suspicions. Ellen and her sister Lori reported the missing items to the Dallas police [10:37], but the initial investigation lacked depth and accountability. Ellen expresses frustration with the police response:

Ellen House (39:51): "I think I said to the police, is this normal? Is this. I just kept saying, but everyone just kind of felt pity for me and patted me on the back and hugged me and told me how much my mother was wonderful."

Despite multiple reports and evidence of thefts, the Dallas Police Department's Public Integrity Unit (PIU) found insufficient evidence to press charges against suspected paramedics involved in the thefts, delaying justice for the victims' families [18:12].

Pattern of Deaths and Systemic Failures

Ellen's investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of deaths and thefts within the community. Through open records requests, she discovered [18:59] that there were numerous incidents:

Ed Sanchez (18:59): "August 6, 2016 report arrived at the property due to the death and found that listed property had been taken from the bathroom counter..."

These reports included unattended robberies and missing jewelry coinciding with residents' deaths, suggesting a systematic issue within Tradition Prestonwood.

Introduction of Serial Killer Billy Shamirmere

As the investigation progressed, the presence of Billy Shamirmere surfaced. Between 2016 and 2018, Shamirmere murdered at least sixteen residents across several senior living communities, including Tradition Prestonwood. His ability to infiltrate these communities went unnoticed due to lax security measures and complacent staff.

Charlie Scudder (30:13): "Jonathan, where did the idea for the Tradition come from? Honestly, a lot of thought and planning."

Shamirmere exploited the trust and security gaps within these facilities, allowing him unrestricted access to vulnerable residents. His actions remained undetected until a surviving victim, Mary Bartel, provided the crucial evidence needed for his arrest [43:13].

Impact on Families and Legal Battles

The families of the victims, led by attorney Trey Crawford, initiated lawsuits against Tradition Prestonwood, accusing the community of prioritizing profits over resident safety. These lawsuits highlighted how the community failed to address repeated thefts and the high rate of unexplained deaths.

Mary Jo Jennings (39:51): "I accused everybody that was in the room. I told the paramedics to empty their pockets. And they're just looking at me like, no."

Despite the mounting evidence and testimonies, Tradition Prestonwood resisted accountability, often pushing families into arbitration to avoid public court battles. This lack of transparency and responsibility exacerbated the families' anguish and distrust.

Corporate Negligence and the Senior Living Industry

The episode underscores a broader issue within the senior living industry, where financial incentives often overshadow the well-being of residents. Jonathan Perlman, President and CEO of Tradition Senior Living, exemplifies the corporate mindset that prioritizes high-end amenities and profit margins over security and care.

Charlie Scudder (34:22): "If nursing homes and assisted livings and group homes are all about the real estate, well, the people aren't the real estate..."

The episode draws parallels with other senior living facilities that have faced similar crises, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and ethical management to protect the most vulnerable.

Conclusion and Reflections

The Sisterhood concludes by reflecting on the systemic failures that allowed Billy Shamirmere to commit his heinous crimes unchallenged. The episode calls for greater accountability within senior living communities and urges families to remain vigilant in advocating for their loved ones' safety.

Shannon Dion (39:09): "We were paying premium price to have our mothers protected there. And he was in there all the time and they did nothing. And then to have nine murders, it's just unbelievable."

Key Takeaways

• Systemic Failures: Tradition Prestonwood's inadequate security and dismissive responses to thefts created an environment where a serial killer could operate unchecked.
• Family Advocacy: Ellen House's relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the crucial role families play in uncovering injustices within care facilities.
• Industry Accountability: The senior living industry's focus on profits over people necessitates reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of residents.
• Legal Challenges: Families face significant obstacles in seeking justice, often contending with corporate legal maneuvers that hinder transparency and accountability.

Notable Quotes

• Ellen House (06:07): "I wanted to see her earthly body before. I never saw it again."
• Ellen House (39:51): "I just kept saying, but everyone just kind of felt pity for me and patted me on the back..."
• Shannon Dion (39:09): "We were paying premium price to have our mothers protected there."
• Charlie Scudder (34:22): "If nursing homes and assisted livings and group homes are all about the real estate, well, the people aren't the real estate..."

The Sisterhood not only narrates a chilling true-crime story but also highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in senior living communities to prevent such tragedies in the future.