In the quiet community of Plymouth, Connecticut, the life of 15-year-old Madeline Elizabeth "Maddie" Bell, a white female, was tragically cut short on November 13, 2020. A sophomore at Terryville High School, Madeline was known for her unique personality and dry sense of humor. She was a member of the school's cross country team and had recently taken up boxing. Her interests included cacti, makeup, and nutrition, with aspirations of attending college in Portugal.
She was the oldest daughter of Owen and Naomi Bell and a beloved sister to her two younger brothers.
On that Friday evening, a 911 call from the family's residence led authorities to a heartbreaking scene. Inside the home, police discovered Madeline and her 7-year-old brother, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Madeline was pronounced dead at the scene. Her younger brother was transported to the hospital in critical condition. A third sibling was not present at the home at the time of the incident.
The investigation into the tragic event quickly led to the arrest of a suspect, the children's mother, 43-year-old Naomi Bell. She was taken into custody by the Connecticut State Police and faced charges of murder with special circumstances and criminal attempt to commit murder with special circumstances.
During her subsequent court appearance, which she attended virtually, details emerged suggesting a history of mental health challenges. Her public defender informed the court that Naomi Bell had recently been hospitalized twice for psychotic episodes. Described by a neighbor as a "dog walking soccer mom," she had no prior criminal record and had previously worked as a scientific researcher and a substitute teacher. The court set her bond at $2.5 million.
