Massachusetts murder suspect believed to be in Coral Gables area

Cornell Bell wanted in death of ex-girlfriend, Michele Clarke

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A Massachusetts man wanted in the death of his ex-girlfriend is believed to be in South Florida.

Police in Massachusetts said Cornell Bell, 46, killed his ex-girlfriend, Michele Clarke, 33, in her Weymouth home Saturday. A warrant was issued for his arrest on a murder charge.

Clarke's body was found during a welfare check. She suffered what police called "sharp trauma injuries."

Detectives believe Bell, who has ties to South Florida, is in the Coral Gables area.

"She was such a good mother, man," Andlee Cribb said.

Cribb was Clarke's boyfriend at the time of her death and the father of her son. He said he's never met Bell, but he's instead trying to remember Clarke as a loving and caring mother.

"She was an amazing person," Cribb said. "There wasn't anything too big she wouldn't do for someone."

Police believe Bell may be driving a stolen dark blue 2005 Ford pickup truck with Massachusetts license plate No. FF47BK.

"He has allegedly committed a murder, and it's not to say that he won't commit another crime," Coral Gables spokeswoman Kelly Denham said.  

Massachusetts State Police said Bell has a long history of violent crime and should be considered armed and dangerous. Police said he possesses separate Massachusetts driver's licenses under three aliases and is the subject of two other outstanding warrants in the state -- one for assault with intent to murder in 1997 and the other for armed robbery in 2002.

Police said Bell is of Jamaican descent and has family living in South Florida. They believe he might be trying to get back to Jamaica.

"We want our officers going home at night, but we also need to take this person off the streets. If we can assist, that's what we want to do," Denham said.  

Anyone who believes they have seen Bell or the vehicle is asked to call 911 immediately.


About the Authors:

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.