🌱 Convicted Murderer Found Dead In Cell + Sheriff Brown Reelection

Welcome back, Dallas. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Warm with a stray t-storm. High: 96 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Dallas today:

1. Billy Chemirmir, 50, who was convicted of two murders and accused of killing nearly 20 others, was found dead in a Texas state prison where he was incarcerated. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Chemirmir was discovered on Tuesday, Sep. 19, deceased in his cell. Chemirmir's cellmate was identified as the alleged assailant. Prosecutors said Chemirmir targeted his victims at senior living centers before smothering them with pillows and stealing valuable items, such as jewelry. Chemirmir's death is being investigated by the Office of Inspector General. (NBC DFW)
2. In Dallas County, a public defender has been arrested after she was found to be engaged in a relationship with an inmate. Ragan Moreno, 28, was seen spending time with an incarcerated individual who she was not representing, leading investigators to discover a relationship between Moreno and inmate Todd Whitfield. Investigators suspect that Moreno gained inappropriate access to Whitfield with her official ID, as well as using her badge to access official records on behalf of Whitfield's brother. Moreno has been charged with abuse of official capacity. (Fox 4 News)
3. Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown recently announced her plans to run for reelection. Brown will be on the ballot for the Democratic primary on Mar. 5, 2024, where she will be running against former Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Brown was appointed to the sheriff's position in 2017 when Valdez resigned to run for the governor's position. Since then, Brown has been reelected as Dallas County's sheriff by voters in 2018 and 2020. The two women will be joined in the primary election by Rodney Thomas, who has over two decades of experience in federal law enforcement. (KRLD News Radio)

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Today in Dallas:

Wednesday, September 20

• Toddler Storytime With ASL Interpretation At White Rock Hills Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Karaoke Night At The Palms (7:00 PM)
• Free Improv Jam At Dallas Comedy Club (7:30 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Dallas? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• You can learn more about the 2024 Capital Bond Program at a virtual open house meeting on Thursday, Sep. 21. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be available at this link. (City of Dallas - City Hall via Facebook)
• The Dallas Park and Recreation Department is seeking feedback on its website design. Click here to fill out a short survey. (Dallas Park and Recreation Department via Facebook)
• The State Fair of Texas will be opening soon! To get prepared, check out this list of exhibits and attractions you won't want to miss. (Visit Dallas via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Zoom meeting regarding HVAC cleaning in Dallas (September 29)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.