The body was discovered by two bicyclists, who found it inside a tote bag later that day. Authorities initially called her death “suspicious” before Godwin came forward with his confession.
The incident shocked the community. Because according to Godwin he and Bell were strangers. And stranger murders are uncommon in homicide cases.
District Attorney Greg Mashburn stated in an interview that these types of cases usually involve parties that know each other, which makes this case stand out. Moreover, the way in which Godwin disposed of the body was also unusual, as he used a tote bag and placed it in a secluded area near the lake.
Bell’s family and friends were left heartbroken by her untimely death.
According to an online obituary, Bell was an “avid supporter of child trafficking awareness.” And was known as a well-known activist to a variety of social causes.
She loved and cared for many friends and family members in her life and would be dearly missed.
Godwin’s confession has brought some closure to Bell’s family, who can now begin to grieve her loss and process the tragedy. The justice system will proceed to evaluate the evidence and determine Godwin’s guilt or innocence.
