Apparent murder-suicide claims three lives in Clayton
CLAYTON — Delaware State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the Clayton area that left three people dead Sunday.
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
Apparent murder-suicide claims three lives in Clayton
CLAYTON — Delaware State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the Clayton area that left three people dead Sunday.
DSP spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said that at approximately 1:05 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 300 block of Hopewell Drive for a report of someone shot. Prior to their arrival, it was determined that the alleged shooter, later identified as Raymond C. Bell, 45, of Clayton, was possibly still in the house with his girlfriend, Heather L. Truitt, 39, of Clayton, and was armed.
Upon the troopers’ arrival, two people were located outside the rear of the residence. One, a male victim identified as Russell N. Bell, 48, of Clayton, was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body, Cpl. Fournier said, while the second individual, a 73-year-old female, was unharmed.
Troopers performed first aid on Russell Bell at the scene, before he was placed in the care of emergency medical services. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Evacuations in the immediate area of the house were made, and phone calls went out to residents in a one-mile radius to alert them of the police activity.
Cpl. Fournier said the DSP Special Operations and Conflict Management teams then responded to the scene in an attempt to establish communications with Raymond Bell. After several attempts to contact him with no answer, entry was made into the residence. Troopers then located Raymond Bell and Ms. Truitt dead with apparent gunshot wounds.
Cpl. Fournier said the bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science, where autopsies will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.
The DSP Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation into the suspected murder-suicide, and Cpl. Fournier said there are no concerns for public safety.
No motive has been established for this incident.
If anyone has any information regarding this case, contact Detective Grassi at 365-8441. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or by visiting here.
