Faribault, Minnesota – A 32-year-old woman from Faribault, Arlene Theresa Bell, has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a 76-year-old man she was living with. The victim, Gary Lehmeyer, was found dead in his home with multiple stab wounds and wrapped in bedding earlier this month.
Bell was apprehended in Iowa after being stopped by state troopers while driving Lehmeyer’s van. She is currently being held in the Dallas County jail in Adel, Iowa, facing charges of motor vehicle theft. Rice County Attorney Brian Mortenson plans to have her extradited to Minnesota to face charges of murder and theft.
Reports indicate that Bell has a history of criminal offenses that includes terroristic threats, burglary, and harassment. During her arrest in Iowa, Bell admitted to using methamphetamine days before the incident. Meth residue, syringes, and Narcan, used for treating narcotic overdoses, were found in the van.
According to the investigation, Bell claimed that a confrontation arose between her and Lehmeyer after she discovered bullets in his bedroom. Allegedly, Lehmeyer, who suffered from physical disabilities and Parkinson’s dementia, initiated the altercation. Bell stated that she defended herself by stabbing Lehmeyer and restraining him with a dehumidifier cord after he allegedly attempted to harm her.
After the incident, Bell confessed to rummaging through Lehmeyer’s belongings, cleaning herself in the shower to remove any traces of blood, and fleeing in his van. The authorities revealed that Bell and Lehmeyer were in a legally recognized domestic relationship at the time of the fatal altercation.
The tragic outcome of this case highlights the complexities surrounding domestic relationships and the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.