Judge hands down 55 year sentence in homeless man's murder

Bell/ Vigo County Jail

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News
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About a year- and- a -half ago, a homeless man was shot in the head and left to die on the side of a road. Today, the Terre Haute man accused of the murder was sentenced to 55 years in prison. 

Clarence E. Bell Jr., now 49, was found guilty of murdering 37-year-old Raymond Rose by a jury last year.

The Terre Haute Police Department investigation began Sept. 12, 2018 after Rose's body was found  near S. 18th and Ohio Streets.  

Officials say Bell  shot Rose in the head at close range with a small caliber weapon.  

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt credits the teamwork of multiple people from various disciplines for a successful investigation.

"Everyone involved in this case should feel accomplished with the work that was done to bring justice for Mr. Rose and his family," he said.

Bell's sentencing was continued multiple times, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Rob Roberts explained. Finally, Judge Sarah Mullican sentenced Bell to a 55 -year executed sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction today.

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