Faribault, MN – A District Court judge has set bail at $1 million for Arlene Theresa Bell, the primary suspect in the murder of Gary Lehmeyer. Judge Jeffrey M. Johnson made the ruling Friday, following a motion by Rice County Attorney Brian Mortenson, who cited Bell as a high flight risk with a substantial criminal history.
Bell, 32, was extradited from Dallas County, Iowa, where she had been held since her February 5 arrest. Initially detained on drug-related charges and a Rice County warrant for vehicle theft, Bell was formally charged with Lehmeyer’s murder on February 23. Evidence presented shows that Lehmeyer, 76, was found deceased on February 5, following a welfare check. The victim had been stabbed multiple times, strangled, bound at the ankles, and wrapped in bedding and a heated mattress pad.
Investigators confirmed that Bell had been residing with Lehmeyer in a domestic relationship. Prosecutors argue that in addition to the gravity of the offense, Bell has no ties to Rice County or Southern Minnesota and has a long record of failing to appear in court. At the time of her Iowa arrest, she was attempting to flee the country, provided false information to law enforcement, and refused fingerprinting. Further, while in custody in Iowa, Bell was charged with assaulting another inmate and later confessed to Lehmeyer’s murder.
Defense attorney Grant Sanders urged the court to consider Bell’s background and economic hardship, citing her Native American heritage and history of childhood trauma. Sanders requested bail to be set at $500,000 without conditions or $100,000 to $50,000 with conditions, emphasizing that Bell had lost custody of her three children due to circumstances beyond her control.
Judge Johnson, however, maintained that Bell’s history and the severity of the crime warranted strict measures. He listed multiple concerns in his decision, including Bell’s history of evading law enforcement and non-compliance with authorities. No conditions were set on her potential release.
The case continues to progress through the court system, with further hearings expected in the coming months.
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