PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police have arrested a man accused of shooting and killing his elderly mother in West Oak Lane.
Luke Bell, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on a firearms violation.
The next morning, however, officers were called to a home near Tulpehocken and Rodney streets where Bell's mother, 80-year-old Crystal Bell, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead shortly after 7 a.m.
Detectives have not confirmed exactly when the shooting took place, but they said the gun recovered from Bell during his arrest is the same caliber as the evidence found at the crime scene.
Prosecutors are charging Bell with murder and related gun offenses.
The investigation into Bell's killing is ongoing.
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Editor's update on July 16, 2026
In a negotiated deal with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Bell pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, reckless endangerment and a gun offense. Bell is set to be sentenced in October.
