Opelika man indicted for murder in death of 68-year-old wife

A Lee County man is now charged with murder in the death of his wife earlier this year.

Spencer Tracy Bell, 54, was initially charged with first-degree elder abuse and neglect and first-degree domestic violence.

The grand jury on Oct. 31 indicted Bell on murder, according to newly released court documents.

On Feb. 6, Opelika police responded to a call of a 68-year-old woman unresponsive in the 2600 block of Frederick Road.

Barbara Ann Bell was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where she was put in the Intensive Care Unit.

Authorities said Barbara Bell died on Feb. 8. The cause of her death has not been released.

Bell was arrested Feb. 13 on the elder abuse and neglect charge. Then, three days later, investigators added the domestic violence charge.

He was later released on bond.

Bell is set to make his first court appearance next month.