Gwinnett triple homicide suspect could be in New Orleans

The man accused of a triple homicide last month in Gwinnett County could be in New Orleans, police said Monday.

Robert E. Bell, 33, has been on the run since Sept. 15 when he allegedly killed three people and injured a fourth in a quadruple shooting at a home near Snellville, according to Gwinnett police.

Bell had been staying in the home for about two weeks when he allegedly shot four people during a domestic dispute, but police have not determined a motive in the shootings.

Angelina Benton, 34, Benton’s 12-year-old son, Joseph McDonald, and her 19-year-old godson, Raynard Daniel, all died after being shot multiple times at a home in the 4600 block of Anderson-Livsey Lane. The three were all originally from Albany. Angelina Benton’s boyfriend, Justin Cato, 23, was shot in the leg and survived his injuries, police said.

Investigators believe Bell had an assault rifle and was waiting on the group to return home from a trip on the day of the shootings. Bell then allegedly attempted to leave the home in his SUV, but Benton, who had driven the SUV on the trip, was still clutching the keys, according to police.

Bell allegedly left the home on foot, leaving his SUV behind with two guns in the back, police said. From there, police believe Bell stole a pickup truck about a half-mile away. The truck’s owner reported it stolen Sept. 17.

On Oct. 2, the stolen truck was found in New Orleans, Gwinnett police said Monday.