206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
⚠️ Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️ The following section contains detailed information about serial killers, their crimes, and case details. Some content may be disturbing or graphic, including descriptions of violence, criminal behavior, and sensitive subject matter.
Description
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Larry Gene Bell: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Background

Larry Gene Bell was born on October 30, 1949, in Ralph, Alabama. He was an American serial killer who abducted, raped, and murdered at least three women in North and South Carolina from 1984 to 1985. Bell was convicted for two murders in South Carolina and was executed by electrocution on October 4, 1996.

Crimes

Bell's criminal activities spanned from 1984 to 1985. He was known for his cruel and sadistic behavior, often taunting the families of his victims with phone calls.

Victims

  • Sandee Elaine Cornett: Last seen on November 18, 1984, arriving home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bell was considered the main suspect, but her remains have never been found.
  • Sharon Faye Smith: Kidnapped on May 31, 1985, from her driveway in Lexington County, South Carolina. Bell called her family multiple times, taunting them and giving directions to her remains. Her body was found in Saluda County, South Carolina.
  • Debra May Helmick: Abducted on June 14, 1985, from her front yard in Richland County, South Carolina. Bell again taunted the family with phone calls and provided directions to her body.
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (2)
  • Sharon Faye Shari Smith Age: (17), Date of Death: May 31, 1985
  •     ...View 1 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Denise Pourch , Date of Death: July 1975
  • Sandee Elaine Cornett Age: (26), Date of Death: November 1984
  • Links to Additional Sources (13)
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    Killer's Details

    Larry Gene

    Bell

    October 30, 1949 Ralph, Alabama, United States

    October 4, 1996 (aged 46) Columbia, South Carolina, United States

    Executed by electric chair

    Male

    White

    Murder (x2), Kidnapping (x2)

    Death

    2-4

    1985

    South Carolina

    June 27, 1985

    Broad River Correctional Institution

    07/03/2025