Clayton – The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide-suicide in the Clayton area that occurred Sunday afternoon, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said at approximately 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2021, troopers were dispatched to the 300 block of Hopewell Drive for a report of someone shot. Prior to their arrival, it was determined that the shooter, later identified as Raymond C. Bell, 45 of Clayton, was possibly still in the house with his girlfriend, Heather L. Truitt, 39 of Clayton, and was armed, according to Fournier. Upon the initial trooper’s arrival, two people were located outside the rear of the residence near a horse stable. One being a male victim identified as Russell N. Bell, 48 of Clayton, having apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body and a 73-year-old female who was unharmed. Troopers were able to perform first aid on Russell and rescue him from the scene before he was placed in the care of Emergency Medical Services. Russell Bell was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Evacuations in the immediate area of the residence were made and robocalls were made to residents in a one-mile radius to alert them of the police activity.
The Delaware State Police Special Operations Team and Conflict Management Team responded to the scene in an attempted to establish communications with Raymond. After several attempts to contact him with no answer, entry was made into the residence. Troopers then located Raymond Bell and Heather Truitt with apparent gunshot wounds.
The bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing their investigation into this suspected murder/suicide incident and there is no concerns for public safety. No motive has been established for this incident.
If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Grassi at 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at [email protected].
Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier
