The man accused of the murder of a Pulaski County woman could face the death penalty.
Dwight Mitchell Bell is charged with murder and robbery in the death of 70-year-old Ruthie Carolyn New. Her body was found in the activity center of the Denham Street Baptist Church August 24, 2017. Bell was arrested in Tennessee for the theft of New's vehicle. He was also wanted in Indiana on a strangulation charge. Police say Bell confessed to the murder during an interrogation.
Bell was arrested in 1999 for the death of his father in Indiana. He was sentenced to several years in prison for manslaughter.
Bell has pled not guilty to the Pulaski County charges. Prosecutors say the state will seek the death penalty.