Anthony Bell

Mass Murderer

Anthony Bell and the 2006 Baton Rouge Church Murders

Overview

Anthony Bell committed a domestic-violence-related mass murder in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 21, 2006. Bell, who was 25 years old, attacked members of his estranged wife's family during a Sunday morning service at the Ministry of Jesus Christ Church. He killed four people inside the small church, critically wounded its pastor and then abducted his estranged wife, Erica Bell, and their three children. Bell drove the family away from the church and stopped at an apartment complex, where he murdered Erica. Their children were not physically injured. Bell was arrested later that day and eventually convicted of five counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

Domestic Violence Before the Murders

Anthony and Erica Bell had a troubled marriage marked by separation and allegations of domestic abuse. Erica had obtained a temporary restraining order against Bell in 2005. Court records and later testimony indicated that she had accused him of abusing her and engaging in an extramarital relationship. By May 2006, Erica and the couple's children were staying with members of her family. Bell reportedly wanted Erica to reconcile with him, but she did not want to resume the relationship. The prosecution later characterized the murders as the culmination of Bell's attempts to control and intimidate his estranged wife.

The Ministry of Jesus Christ Church Shooting

On the morning of Sunday, May 21, 2006, members of Erica Bell's family gathered for worship at the Ministry of Jesus Christ Church in Baton Rouge. The church was led by Erica's mother, Pastor Claudia Brown. Six adults and five children were reportedly inside the building when Bell arrived. Bell entered the church and attempted to speak with Erica about reconciling. After she rejected him, he left the building. Bell soon returned carrying a revolver. He entered the church during the service and began shooting members of Erica's family. Bell fired six rounds inside the church. Leonard Howard, Gloria Howard, Dolores McGrew and Darlene Mills Selvage were fatally wounded. Pastor Claudia Brown was shot in the back of the head but survived. Despite her severe injury, Brown remained conscious long enough to direct one of the children inside the church to call for help. Testimony later presented in court described the panic inside the small sanctuary as Bell confronted his in-laws at close range. Claudia Brown testified that she heard her mother, Gloria Howard, plead with Bell not to shoot her shortly before Gloria was killed. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Erica Bell 24 yr old Female

Anthony Bell Found GUILTY - WAFB