Remembering Justine Bell: Arrest Made in Wichita Mother's Murder, But Family Demands Full Accountability

More than two years after a senseless tragedy, a Wichita family is taking a step towards healing with the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Justine Bell, a mother of five. 

While relief washes over them, a lingering frustration remains.

Shyra Bell, Justine's sister, describes the impact on the family. 

"The boys are hit the hardest," she shared. 

"Justine's daughter is strong, but the boys... they don't want to play sports anymore. It's like a piece of them is missing."

Shyra reveals the raw pain, especially for young Elijah, Justine's three-year-old. 

"It's heartbreaking," she says. "He doesn't understand why his mom isn't coming home. He never got the hugs and love his older siblings did."

Justine's life was tragically cut short in January 2022. 

Shyra explains, "Justine was at a party with friends when she got caught in an argument. Someone pulled a gun and started shooting. Justine was hit and left in the street."

Heartbreakingly, the ordeal didn't end there. "The car she was in sped off, then ran over her," Shyra adds.

Finally, after a long and agonizing wait, the family received the news they desperately craved. 

"It was a wave of relief," Shyra recalls while tearing up. 

"The police arrested Donnell James on a felony murder charge for Justine's death."

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Justine's cousin, Yolanda Madison, expresses mixed emotions. 

"Relief that justice is served, but frustration that only one person is charged. James may have started the incident, but it was being run over that killed her. The driver should be held accountable too!"

Wichita Police Department declined to comment on why the driver wasn't charged, stating that charging decisions lie with the District Court and further details cannot be released due to the ongoing case.

Despite the unanswered questions, Shyra clings to one hope. 

"We just want Justine to finally rest in peace. We want the kids to know the person responsible is behind bars, and their mom will get justice."

The investigation continues. Donnell James remains in federal custody on unrelated drug charges. 

District Attorney Marc Bennett cannot comment on the case until James' first court appearance.

 

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