The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Shannon Bell of Flomaton Monday, May 8, charging him with murder in the death of Donna L. Martin, following Bell’s indictment by the Grand Jury.
According to Chief Deputy Mike Lambert, Bell shot and killed Martin, also of Flomaton, near the Pollard Boat Landing on December 2, 2016. At the time of the incident, Bell claimed that he was trying to shoot a deer at night and a struggle ensued over the gun. He claimed the gun went off killing Martin.
At the time, Bell was arrested for manslaughter and a night hunting violation. Further investigation on the case was done and the evidence was turned over to a Grand Jury. As a result, the Grand Jury returned an indictment for murder.
The case remains under investigation. Bell remains in the Escambia County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond.
The ECSO was assisted by Alabama Game & Fish Division (game wardens).