Bonus Episode: This is why we do it

A brand-new law closes the security gaps exploited by Dallas' notorious serial killer Billy Chemirmir

Hey there!

First, a quick update from me and Carol … We just recorded our new bonus episode, called “Linking the Chains.” In the episode, Carol will tell us about her latest reporting, which involves multiple witness accounts that haven’t been disclosed publicly until now — including a deathbed confession that adds yet another wrinkle to the investigation of Shelley Watkins’ unresolved death.

Paid subscribers will get the episode on Monday, June 23. Everyone can hear the episode on Monday, June 30!

Now, for the big update!

Season 2 host Charlie Scudder is back with a very exciting bonus episode called “The Final Vote.” The Texas Legislature has passed a law that finally closes some of the loopholes serial killer Billy Chemirmir used to murder dozens of elderly women in Dallas senior living facilities less than a decade ago. Of course, this is the subject of Charlie’s excellent second season of The Unforgotten, Unnatural Causes.

It’s also the subject of Charlie’s new opinion piece, “Dallas serial killer’s terror leads to Texas protections for elderly,” in today’s edition of the Dallas Morning News:

In the episode, and the newspaper column, Charlie explains what the law does — and what it doesn’t. He also checks in with the family members of loved ones who’ve been asking Texas lawmakers to close these loopholes for years now. Charlie has been with them every step of the way, first as a reporter for the Dallas Morning News and now as the creator of Season 2. When I listened to the bonus episode, I could feel their excitement coming through. In a small way, perhaps, it felt like closure.

It’s also a reminder of why we got into journalism: because we want to make a difference.

Congrats to the advocates who pushed so hard for these reforms, and congrats to Charlie for his persistence as well.

Hope y’all enjoy the episode! — Wes Ferguson