Police in Minnesota arrested Arlene Bell for allegedly killing her 76-year-old roommate, Gary Lehmeyer, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, a condition affecting movement.
On February 5th, during a welfare check, police found Mr. Lehmeyer's body in his home. His van was missing. Later that day, police in Iowa pulled over Mr. Lehmeyer's van with Bell behind the wheel. They suspected she was under the influence of drugs and found narcotics in the vehicle. Bell claimed she was travelling to Mexico and coming down from a recent methamphetamine use.
Bell later told detectives she was home with Mr. Lehmeyer when she heard a noise from his bedroom. Entering the room, she claimed to see "red bullets" at his feet, though she admitted seeing no guns. Fearing Mr. Lehmeyer wouldn't let her leave and despite his physical limitations due to Parkinson's, she described a physical altercation.
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Prosecutors allege Bell admitted to repeatedly stabbing Mr. Lehmeyer and using a knife to "saw at his wrists." She further claimed Mr. Lehmeyer threw a dehumidifier at her and choked her with its cord, prompting her to cut it free.
Bell stated she watched him bleed profusely and spit blood before binding his feet with the cord and wrapping his body, fearing he would "regain consciousness and kill her." She then showered to remove blood evidence before driving away in Mr. Lehmeyer's van.
An autopsy revealed Mr. Lehmeyer died from strangulation and multiple stab wounds. Bell, previously arrested for making terroristic threats, burglary, and harassment, awaits extradition back to Minnesota to face murder charges. A grand jury could later indict her for first-degree murder.
It's crucial to remember that these are just the allegations against Bell, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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