Deputy Russell Richard Bell, 53, of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was killed on April 17, 1990, while transporting a mental patient to a hospital for evaluation. Bell had served six years with the department. During the transport the individual in custody gained control of the deputy’s service weapon and shot him; responding officers wounded the suspect and took him into custody.

The suspect was charged in Deputy Bell’s death, later pleaded guilty to murder while his mental illness was acknowledged, and received a prison sentence. Records indicate the man was granted parole in the summer of 2006. Deputy Bell is survived by three grown children and his death had a lasting impact on the Beaufort County law enforcement community.

If anyone knew Deputy Bell, his family, or has information about the case, please share what you know.