Sunday night may have been as much to help the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office solve a murder mystery, as it was to give a voice to family and friends of the victim.
As the sun set over fields on the outskirts of Garysburg, at least 40 people marched from Blythe Road to Macon Price Road holding candles, many wearing T-shirts to remember Crystal Bell, whose body was found at the back of an abandoned house.
“We will not let this rest,” the marchers chanted in unison. “We want justice for Crystal Bell.”
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Before the march, which ended at the abandoned house where Bell’s body was found in June, Northampton County Sheriff Wardie Vincent said the goal of the vigil was twofold. “We want to do what we can to bring this back to the forefront. We’re trying to assist the family in dealing with the situation while at the same time getting it to the forefront so some new leads can come in.”
Mourners held candles and photos and wore shirts honoring Bell.
Vincent said sheriff’s office investigators continue to work with the State Bureau of Investigation on the case.
It has been a tough case to investigate, he said. “By being in a secluded area with no eyewitnesses it’s been difficult to find any evidence that would lead to an arrest and conviction.”
The sheriff said investigators are looking for even the smallest pieces of evidence and new leads that will lead to an arrest. “We believe some people passing through may have seen something. We have some people of interest.”
Several people could be heard crying as they walked to the rear of the house.
Bell’s sister, Jennifer Soria, believes the house on Macon Price Road, abandoned when she was murdered, is not a place her sister would have gone to willingly. “She would not have come here of her own free will. Please get the word out. If you know anything, talk to law enforcement.”
Bell's mother, Brenda, with Robinson.
Soria expects justice to be served in the case. “God always triumphs over death.”
Carl Richardson believes there is more to the story than just a random murder. “The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office needs to get involved. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office needs to get involved.”
Richardson said he believes Bell’s murder could be linked to a murder-suicide that occurred in Warren County, hence the reason he is asking for a joint investigation by law enforcement in the area.
Candles burn in the night.
Shawn Robinson, Bell’s boyfriend and father of their child, believes justice will come. “I just sense justice for Crystal. I know it’s coming.”
The family has hired a private investigator to find more detailed information in the case. “This is a complicated murder investigation,” said Norman Smith, who runs Private Intel. “Instead of the state assisting the sheriff’s office, I would like the state to take the lead. There is evidence scattered through a couple of counties.”
