On a Sunday morning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the peace of a church service was shattered by a tragic act of violence that claimed the life of 78-year-old Leonard Howard Sr. and four others. On May 21, 2006, at The Ministry of Jesus Christ Church, Howard, his wife Gloria, and other relatives of their granddaughter, Erica Bell, were gathered for worship when Erica's estranged husband, 25-year-old Anthony Bell, entered the church.
Initially, Bell spoke with his wife, but after she refused
to reconcile, he left the church only to return with a handgun. He then opened fire, fatally shooting Leonard Howard Sr., his 72-year-old wife Gloria Howard, their 68-year-old relative Dolores McGrew, and 47-year-old Darlene Mills Selvage. The church's pastor, Claudia Brown, who was Erica's mother, was shot in the head but survived.
Following the shooting at the church, Anthony Bell abducted his wife, Erica, and their three children. He drove to a nearby apartment complex where he shot and killed his 24-year-old wife. The children were found unharmed. Bell was arrested the same day at the apartment complex. The motive for the devastating rampage was determined to be related to the domestic dispute between Anthony and Erica Bell. Erica had previously sought a restraining order against her husband due to his alleged abuse and infidelity.
Anthony Bell was charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. In a notable turn of events during his trial, Bell chose to represent himself. On April 11, 2008, a jury found him guilty on all charges. Subsequently, on September 11, 2008, Anthony Bell was sentenced to death for the murders and received an additional 50-year prison term for the attempted murder. He has since been on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, and his appeals have been unsuccessful.
