Charlotte Cold Case Identifies Suspect After 40 Years

A suburban neighborhood crime scene with forensics evidence and crime scene tape.

News Summary

After four decades, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Cold Case Unit has identified Larry Gene Bell as the suspect in the 1984 disappearance of Sandee Cornett. Though he was previously a suspect, Bell’s death in 1996 means he will not face charges. The case, which has haunted the community since Sandee went missing, has brought some closure for her family despite the fact that her remains have yet to be found. The CMPD is actively seeking any further information from the public.

Charlotte Cold Case Suddenly Heats Up After 40 Years!

In a significant breakthrough in the world of crime-solving, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Cold Case Unit has identified Larry Gene Bell as the suspect in the mysterious homicide of Sandee Cornett, a case that has haunted the community for nearly four decades. The developments in this long-cold case have brought both closure and new questions to light.

A Night to Remember

It was an ordinary day back in November 1984, when Sandee Cornett, then just 26 years old, mysteriously vanished. Friends and family immediately grew concerned when she failed to show up for work on November 19. The distress call was made at 3:12 p.m. from the 8000 block of Eaglewind Drive, kick-starting an investigation that would extend over several decades.

Suspicions Rise

As the investigation unfolded, suspicions about Larry Gene Bell emerged several months after Sandee went missing. Police were not able to charge him initially, but numerous interviews were conducted across multiple agencies. The case took an even darker turn when Bell became known not just as a suspect, but later as a convicted murderer. He was implicated in two additional homicide cases in South Carolina and ultimately met his end via execution on October 4, 1996.

Decades of Determination

Fast forward to recent times, and the CMPD Cold Case Unit, in collaboration with the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, took a hard look at the evidence and case files surrounding Sandee Cornett’s disappearance. They meticulously reviewed everything gathered over the last 40 years, going back through old notes, interviews, and evidence, determined to finally bring justice to Sandee’s family.

A Disturbing Conclusion

As the investigation deepened, detectives concluded that Larry Gene Bell had likely kidnapped and murdered Sandee Cornett. Despite the chilling evidence and strong suspicions, Bell’s death means he can’t be charged for this crime, but the case has been officially cleared. How eerie it is to think that some secrets buried in the past only begin to surface when the light of inquiry shines on them!

Heartfelt Notification

In a poignant update, the Cornett family has been made aware of these shocking developments. While there is an element of relief regarding the identification of the offender, the heart-wrenching truth remains: Sandee’s remains have never been found. Despite all the advancements in technology and methods used in modern forensics, Sandee still remains listed as missing in multiple national databases, including NamUs.

A Call to Action

704-432-TIPS. This case may be over, but the quest for closure is far from finished.

Looking Ahead

Sandee Cornett remains an essential part of Charlotte’s history. It illustrates the ongoing struggle of families who continue to seek answers, sometimes decades after their loved ones have vanished. Moments like these remind us of how important it is to listen, remember, and perhaps find a way to bring some resolution to those affected by these heinous crimes.