On a tragic Sunday morning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the life of 24-year-old Erica Brown Bell was cut short in a violent series of events that began at a place of worship and ended with her death. On May 21, 2006, her estranged husband, 25-year-old Anthony Bell, entered the Ministry of Jesus Christ Church, where Erica and her family were attending services.
After his public plea for reconciliation was rejected by Erica, he left the church only to return with a handgun.
Inside the church, Anthony Bell opened fire, killing four of Erica's family members: her grandparents, 78-year-old Leonard Howard and 72-year-old Gloria Howard; her 68-year-old great-aunt, Doloris Lucas Lowe McGrew; and her 47-year-old cousin, Darlene Mills Selvage. Erica's mother, Claudia Brown, who was the pastor of the church, was also shot but survived. Following the shooting at the church, Anthony Bell abducted Erica and their three young children.
The horrific events culminated at a nearby apartment complex. There, Anthony Bell fatally shot his wife, Erica. He then called 911, claiming that Erica had been responsible for the church shootings and had subsequently taken her own life. However, when law enforcement arrived, they found Erica Bell deceased and Anthony Bell was arrested. The couple's three children were found unharmed.
The subsequent investigation revealed a history of domestic turmoil, including a temporary restraining order Erica had sought against her husband just months before the murders, citing family violence. Anthony Bell was charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. During his trial, he maintained his innocence, attempting to place the blame on his deceased wife. However, the testimony of the lone survivor, Erica's mother, and other evidence contradicted his claims. In April 2008, a jury found Anthony Bell guilty on all counts, and he was subsequently sentenced to death for the murders.
