Arlene Bell: Minnesota woman admits to fatally stabbing elderly roommate and hiding body in blanket after arrest at traffic stop
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion is advised.
FARIBAULT, MINNESOTA: A 32-year-old woman has been charged with murder after she admitted to fatally stabbing and strangling her 76-year-old roommate. She then bound his ankles and wrapped his body in blankets and a heated mattress pad.
After the murder, the Rice County Attorney's Office charged Arlene Theresa Bell with second-degree murder. These charges and accusations came after police found the body of victim Gary Lehmeyer while conducting a welfare check at his home on February 5 as per Law&Crime.
What did the police report after finding Gary Lehmeyer’s body?
During the welfare check at Lehmeyer's residence, law enforcement officers observed that his van was absent. Subsequently, they discovered that the vehicle was already in the possession of law enforcement.
According to authorities, on February 5, around 11.30 am, an Iowa State Patrol trooper intercepted Lehmeyer’s vehicle west of Des Moines, with Bell behind the wheel.
Troopers noted that she appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Upon searching the van, they uncovered drugs, and Bell informed them that she was en route to the Mexico border.
She admitted to recently experiencing the effects of methamphetamine use.
Troopers arrested her on drug-related charges, and Rice County prosecutors later added a charge of motor vehicle theft.
What did Arlene Bell report during the investigation?
Arelene Bell reported to detectives that she was at home with Lehmeyer when she heard a noise in his bedroom.
She said she saw something red at his feet but did not see any guns.
She felt scared and said Lehmeyer wouldn't let her leave the room.
They got into a physical fight, even though Lehmeyer had physical disabilities due to Parkinson's.
Prosecutors said Bell admitted to repeatedly stabbing Lehmeyer and cutting his wrists with a knife.
She said Lehmeyer threw a dehumidifier at her and choked her with its cord, but she managed to free herself by cutting the cord.
She saw Lehmeyer bleeding heavily and feared he would harm her if he regained consciousness, so she tied his feet with the cord and wrapped his body.
She took a shower to wash off the blood before leaving in Lehmeyer’s van.
An autopsy revealed that Lehmeyer died from strangulation and multiple stab wounds. It is worth noting that Bell has a history of arrests for various offenses.
She is currently in jail in Dallas County, awaiting extradition to Minnesota for the murder charges.
A grand jury may later decide to indict her for first-degree murder.
