The Unforgotten: Unnatural Causes Episode 9: The Unknown Release Date: December 9, 2024 Host: Charlie Scudder Produced by: Free Range Productions

Introduction: Unveiling Billy Shamirmir’s Crimes

In Episode 9, titled "The Unknown," journalist Charlie Scudder delves deeper into the harrowing case of Billy Shamirmir, recognized as one of Texas's most prolific serial killers. The episode begins with a recount of Shamirmir's brutal murder in the Caulfield unit in East Texas on September 19, 2023, where he was killed by a cellmate under unclear circumstances. Charlie expresses frustration over the lack of transparency from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, stating, “I've written letters to the cellmate and tried asking the Texas Department of Criminal Justice more questions about the murder, but was told that because it's an open investigation, no additional information is available” ([00:43]).

Key Points:

• Billy Shamirmir was murdered in prison, leaving unanswered questions about his death.
• The official explanation provided was vague, citing Shamirmir's remarks to his cellmate as the reason.
• Charlie emphasizes that the focus of the podcast is not solely on Shamirmir but on the systemic failures that allowed him to target vulnerable elderly women.

Security in Senior Living Communities

Charlie visits Highland Springs, an independent living community, to understand the security measures in place and the residents' perspectives on safety and autonomy. Residents Linda Prickett, Ruth Hunt, and Susie Kimbrough share their experiences and the reasons behind choosing such communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Susie Kimbrough: “What made y'all move here? What did you consider when moving into this place?” ([03:48])
• Ruth Hunt: “I did it for my children and I'm happy here.” ([04:49])

Key Points:

• Residents highlight the importance of security measures like key cards, locked doors, and surveillance cameras.
• Moving to a senior living community was often motivated by the desire to alleviate family concerns and ensure personal safety.
• The community provides a social environment that enhances the residents' quality of life, challenging stereotypes of aging as a period of isolation.

Balancing Safety and Independence

The episode explores the delicate balance between ensuring the safety of elderly residents and preserving their independence. Geriatrician Michael Wasserman provides insights into how senior living communities can offer both security and autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Wasserman: “If a nursing home functions that same way, why not enjoy the nursing home the same way?” ([10:45])
• Charlie Scudder: “Knowing everything we know now, how should we help our elders make the most important decisions about how they spend their final years?” ([09:xx] - inferred)

Key Points:

• There is a tension between implementing strict security measures and allowing residents the freedom to live independently.
• Effective senior care should blend safety with opportunities for social engagement and personal autonomy.
• Families and individuals are often conflicted about the best approach to senior care, weighing the benefits of community living against the desire for independence.

Investigative Challenges: Identifying All Victims

Charlie discusses the complexities involved in determining the true number of Shamirmir’s victims. Medical examiner Jeffrey Barnard believes the official victim count is just the "tip of the iceberg."

Notable Quotes:

• Jeffrey Barnard: “I'm convinced there, the 24 homicides that he was charged with, I'm convinced that's the tip of the iceberg.” ([23:10])
• Plano Detectives Paul Martinez and John Hoffman: “We do know about. Is there more deaths he's responsible for? Absolutely, I believe that.” ([27:23])

Key Points:

• Official records list Shamirmir as responsible for 22 counts of capital murder and two attempted murders, but many believe the actual number is higher.
• Systemic issues, such as delayed death reports and unreported thefts, obscure the true extent of Shamirmir’s crimes.
• Challenges in linking deaths to Shamirmir include the absence of clear evidence and reliance on outdated investigative methods.

The Impact on Families: Struggle for Closure

The episode highlights the profound emotional toll on the families of Shamirmir’s victims. Lauren Smith shares her painful journey after her mother, Phyllis Payne, was found dead with missing jewelry, leading to suspicions of foul play.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Smith: “Sometimes I just get in the car and let out a scream and not scare the dog and just yell just to get it out” ([35:47])
• Cheryl Pangburn: “It's all about making money. That's kind of a twofold frustration.” ([45:50])

Key Points:

• Families grapple with unresolved grief and the frustration of not seeing their loved ones' cases fully investigated.
• The lack of transparency and ongoing dismissals of cases exacerbate feelings of being unheard and dismissed.
• The emotional burden is compounded by systemic failures, leaving families in a state of perpetual mourning without closure.

Systemic Failures and Ageism

Charlie addresses how ageism has played a significant role in the lack of adequate response to Shamirmir’s killings. Families feel that their grief is minimized because their victims were elderly.

Notable Quotes:

• Cheryl Pangburn: “If it had been any other segment of society, I think it would have been handled so much differently.” ([44:44])
• Charlie Scudder: “The whole time they were telling the truth. We all just refused to listen.” ([45:50])

Key Points:

• Ageism within the justice and healthcare systems has contributed to the underreporting and inadequate investigation of the murders.
• Senior victims are often overlooked, and their deaths dismissed as natural causes without thorough examination.
• There is a critical need for systemic changes to prevent such vulnerabilities and ensure all victims receive equal attention and justice.

Personal Stories: Lauren Smith’s Experience

Lauren Smith recounts her mother's mysterious death and the emotional aftermath of the police investigation, including the exhumation of Phyllis Payne’s body.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Smith: “It makes me feel horrible. It just made my blood boil.” ([40:13])
• Detective Paul Martinez: “I'm convinced he is responsible for more, yeah.” ([27:23])

Key Points:

• Phyllis Payne’s death raised suspicions when valuable items went missing, but initial investigations were inadequate.
• The exhumation process without family consent added to the trauma, highlighting the distress caused by delayed justice.
• Lauren's story underscores the personal anguish faced by families seeking answers and accountability.

Reimagining Senior Care: Moving Forward

The episode concludes with reflections on how society can better protect and support its elderly population. Families and experts discuss potential reforms in senior living communities to enhance security without compromising independence.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Scudder: “Who gets to decide how much security they need or how much privacy they deserve?” ([09:xx] - inferred)
• Michael Wasserman: “What can I say? I just love the people.” ([06:46])

Key Points:

• There is a pressing need to reimagine senior care by integrating robust security measures with respect for residents’ autonomy.
• Community engagement and personalized care plans can help mitigate vulnerabilities while fostering a supportive environment.
• Policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to address systemic issues, ensuring that elderly individuals are both safe and free to live fulfilling lives.

Conclusion: The Long Road to Justice

Charlie reflects on the unresolved aspects of Shamirmir’s case and the enduring impact on victims' families. Despite Shamirmir's death, the quest for truth and justice persists, emphasizing the importance of remembering and protecting vulnerable populations.

Notable Quotes:

• Cheryl Pangburn: “I still felt like we haven't done enough.” ([43:44])
• Charlie Scudder: “Many, many other victims could remain unknown, unidentified but not forgotten.” ([40:13])

Key Points:

• The true extent of Shamirmir’s crimes may never be fully known, leaving many families without closure.
• The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and systemic improvements to protect the elderly.
• "The Unknown" underscores the broader implications of Shamirmir’s case, advocating for a societal commitment to ensuring that no victim is forgotten.

Production Credits:

• Host: Charlie Scudder
• Producer: Wes Ferguson
• Associate Producer: Monika Watkins
• Audio Editing and Engineering: Austin Sisler at Eastside Studios, Austin, Texas
• Theme Song and Sound Design: AJ LeGrand
• Executive Producer: Wes Ferguson, Free Range Productions
• Special Thanks: Dallas Morning News and the Division of Journalism at Southern Methodist University's Meadows School of the Arts

Advertisements Skipped:

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Final Note: This episode is a critical exploration of systemic vulnerabilities that allowed Billy Shamirmir to murder numerous elderly women undetected for years. Through personal stories, expert insights, and investigative journalism, Charlie Scudder sheds light on the urgent need for reform in senior care and justice systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.