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.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte 40-Year-Old Cold Case
- WBTV: Convicted Murderer Named Suspect in Cold Case
- WSOC TV: CMPD Cold Case Unit Closes 40-Year-Old Case
- CNN: Charlotte Cold Case Solved
- Wikipedia: Cold Case
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
