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A Texas man commits murder, then flees the United States.  Edward Harold Bell  The victim, Larry Dickens CASE DETAILS  Bell exposed himself to children Bryan, Texas, is the type of place that people have in mind when they dream of escaping the big city. But in September of 1984, the illusion of small-town security was shattered for one local couple whom we will call Sue and Bill. Sue had always considered herself strong and self-reliant. However, the events of September 6th would test her character in ways she never imagined:
Fearing for the safety of her child, Sue instinctively attacked. She forced the intruder from the bathroom and then drove him out of the house at gunpoint:
 Bell was finally captured in Panama Sue had seen the man up close, but authorities were unable to identify him. She and her husband tried to put the incident behind them. Then four months later, Sue got another look at the attacker:
The newspaper listed the state’s most-wanted criminals. Right at the top was the knife-wielding intruder. His name was Edward Harold Bell. Edward Bell’s long criminal record stretched back to 1969 and included aggravated rape and numerous counts of indecent exposure to children. Sue also learned that Edward Bell was wanted for a shocking murder that took place on August 24, 1978. That summer, 26-year-old Larry Dickens was visiting his mother and sister in Pasadena, Texas, a suburb of Houston. An ex-marine and youth counselor, Larry was also the father of a three-year-old girl. According to his mother, Dorothy Lang, Larry was cutting her lawn when Edward Bell pulled up in his pick-up truck:
 Bell was sentenced to seventy years in prison As Dorothy phoned the police, Larry went out to confront the flasher. His mother watched from the kitchen window as the man pulled out a gun:
Larry had been shot four times in the chest and once in the head with a .22 pistol. At just that moment, Larry’s 17-year-old sister, Dawna, was returning home from cheerleading practice:
A dispatcher radioed the suspect’s description as police units headed to the scene. At that very instant, the officers recognized the suspect’s truck. Within 20 minutes of the murder, Bell was in the hands of police and on his way to face Larry’s mother and sister:
Incredibly, Edward Bell was released on bail less than two months after the murder. He quietly liquidated his assets, and with more than $140,000 in his pocket, disappeared. Update: When this story aired, at least two viewers recognized Edward Bell. One said he had recently met Bell during a business trip to Panama City, Panama. Another viewer claimed that Bell had lived in Panama for several years. According to Special Agent Rolando Moss of the Houston FBI, Bell was prospecting for gold on land he owned near Panama City:
Edward Harold Bell was convicted of murder and sentenced to 70 years in prison. He has since been named as a “person of interest” in the murders of six young girls in the Galveston area. Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season five with Robert Stack and in season one with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. |
Brenden Aichi
I know this is a terrible case, but did anyone notice that the actor playing Larry in the episode was Matthew McConaughey? Must have been one of his first acting gigs. Would love to bring it up in an interview with him today. Just sayin…still love the show!
Sean
I noticed. I’ve noticed a few other know actors actresses too.
Yogi
what a mean individual for so many years to multiple people
none of your bees wax
did he died in prison
Jennifer Newsome
Yes he collapsed and died while he was in prison
Wendy
Yes, he died from a heart attack
B-..his bio daughter
It was my bio father who is responsible for so many deaths…I cannot apologize for what he’s done because what he did to others cannot compare to what he did to me
Addisyn Monaghan
this story is about your dad?!?!? he is a monster
Randy
It’s not your place to apologize for the sins of your father. Your only responsibility is to yourself. You’re not responsible for what your father did to you. If you feel guilt personally for his actions Just look in the face of a child at the age you were and ask yourself if you could hold that child responsible. Any guilt you wrestle with is not your guilt. I know it is easy for me to say but if you are suffering think on your innocence and separate it from your attacker’s abuse.
SouthernChevyBell
Hello. I know you don’t know me but.. I tried to find a more private way to contact you on here but doesn’t seem possible but.. If you are his daughter we are biologically related. I just met this side of my family about 15 years ago.. I am about to turn 36.. But i don’t and haven’t had any contact much with any of the other family. If you would like to contact me. Lmk
Jamie
What he may have done to you is not relevant here. It’s what he did to those girls that matters.
Heather
Hello I’m contacting you about your father
Has his name ever been found out? Is he still alive? It’s very doubtful. I’m sorry for all your troubles to do with all these murders. Now getting to you are you doing OK,I can imagine how he did to you. I’m so sorry for what has happened to you. I’ve been through something similar to you but nobody has ever been murdered I hope that you’ll be OK. God Bless You
B
I am the living breathing offspring of this twisted individual …my life is a struggle everyday ….I did not create this monster … yet he created me …I’m more than willing to seek assistance
Ari
He may have done many horrible things in his lifetime, but you have done nothing. Do’t let the life of this man ruin the life of yours.
Sheila Shields
It would have been nice to hear more about his personal background. Why was he never asked about his life? Going to the prison and demanding answers about people he doesn’t care about might have had better results if the person asking the questions first made an effort to find out more about the person answering the questions.
Old
He told them about his life in great detail. Blamed everything on his father brain washing him.
Big Daddy
Why didn’t Paige and Olsen contact the Bryan Police Department and get the report for the attack on “Sue” or TAMU for any information for possible offenses while Bell was a student?
Henry
Just by looking at that photo of him next to Larry Dickens, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that that guy had evil lurking in his soul. I always get chills looking at it.
Joanne
Does anyone know if Edward Bell was ever in NY? I was almost abducted by a man who exposed himself on a deserted road in 1974. When I saw his picture of it looked just like him, definitely the same M.O. just curious, I got away because a car came by and I ran in front of it screaming for help, I was just 15.
Lorraine
He died in prison in 2019
Timann
That is great news. I watch documentary about the eleven girls in Galveston. And how he could be connected to this girls deaths. I think his prerelease was I think 2017. I was really hoping that he wouldn’t get paroled.
eli
If he was in Panama City from 1979 until 1992, are there unsolved murders in Panama City during his time there?
SMHART-the h is silent.
Glad he’s dead,he use to wait outside the Hotel Gavez in his pickup and try to follow me home while masturbating. Had a friend on the island that was a cop and escorted me often. Had dreams about him and a white van but didn’t make sense at the time cause he drove a pickup. Cop who handled cold case knows cause he worked there before becoming a cop. ( Detective)
FLAVIA REBELO MOCHEL
I Hope justice will deny parole . He is a psycho
10then55now
I lived in E Tx in the early 70’s and while walking home from school, was nearly pulled into the pickup of a ruddy-complexioned, very thick, curly-wavy, deep strawberry haired. (kind of dirty looking to me…) I was halfway through his window, grasped tightly by his ruddy, hairy arms and hands.
In a sad, terrified, child’s mind, I was too scared to tell my mother so I went across the street and told our neighbor.
It all makes such perfect sense as an adult…
-empty road behind the middle school
-only road that goes by the park
-spring day
At that time, my parents didn’t even call the police. Naive? Ignorant? I’ve no explanation. Honestly, I was pretty bewildered even as a child. Not that our inept, small town goon squad would’ve known what to do but still… might’ve been nice to let other parents and children know. ♀️
Bell was a traveling salesman in the early 70’s. Probably not. But pretty uncanny.
Cat
Edward Harold Bell is a serial killer, he may escape justice on earth but he still has to answer to the big man up stairs. I hope he feels the all the pain and fear of his victims and their families when the time comes.
LINDA
I’M WATCHING THE SHOW… THE ELEVEN. I’M PRAYING THIS MONSTER NEVER GETS RELEASED… IF HE IS.. HE’LL MURDER AND RAPE AGAIN. I FEEL HE KNEW TO MUCH ABOUT THOSE MURDERS OF THOSE YOUNG GIRLS… AND IT’S WEIRD HOW THE MURDERS STOPPED WHEN HE SKIPPED BAIL AND HID. IT WOULD BE A INJUSTICE TO PUT THAT MAN BACK INTO SOCIETY AROUND YOUNG GIRLS. LEAVE HIM WHERE HE IS… SO CHILDREN ARE SAFE. PLEASE ..PLEASE.. I PRAY HIS PAROLE IS DENIED.
CHUCK
The Justice system today has no real Justice! A “so called” Judge that released him on bail that allowed him to flee should of been bared from ever being a Judge over criminal cases. Bell should of received at least life without the possibility of parole if not the death sentence if the state had it in place. This is shocking to think that a system so one sided for the criminals instead of the victims this monster “might” get out to continue his exposing himself to young girls and murdering those he can with illegal guns he can get hold of.
Anonymous
I’m sorry Chuck, but I’d like to know where you gain knowledge about the criminal justice system… You clearly do not understand how it works. Only one in ten felony defendants are denied bail. Whether or not you agree with a majority of felony defendants being able to post bail, is something different. However, how could you say how horrible this judge is for not denying him bail???? Because the defendant in his case just happened to flee the country??? Because this case just happened to be publicized??? And you say this system is so one sided for criminals, yet about 25% of our population is in prison. Now I believe in justice and I loved the documentary because you could feel the passion from the retired detective and reporter to get exactly that. Edward Bell is most definitely sick, yet it is also sick how quick people are to shift blame anywhere they please. The only person responsible for Edward’s actions is himself. The rest of us can only do the best we can to stop and prevent the horrific and immoral things people do to others. I love to use this analogy when people seem to be quick to criticize those involved in law enforcement. Immagine an accountant or a dentist or an electrician constantly only being able to preform half of their job. That is how those of law enforcement feel every day as our system is flawed because no one can tell the future and no one can impose absolute control over society to prevent these things 100% of the time!!! The worst part is, they’re just people and they have to live with that every day.
Tom
lol speak for yourself.
Cd
That’s a long reply to look so ignorant. When people type out a war and peace length reply that noone cares about, it’s truly comical.
Ronnie
This monster was accused of murder. He also FLED from police in his truck and thank God his gun jammed or he would have murdered the Officer who was in pursuit of him! He already had a record which included lude acts & preditorial behavior. He was also accused of rape and child molestation! Even if the Judge didn’t know at the time that he was a suspect in several other murders I do believe the other things I have listed should have been enough for the Judge to order that he is to be held without bail.
Unknown
Some children are born deformed physically and believe some born sick mentally…..cannot be corrected. Cant live in open society ….just too twisted.
Anonymous
Really, should this man be free? He exposed himself to kids and killed a man who tried to stop him. No, he executed that man. He should never go free! He is a danger to society and should be locked up forever. Jonathan here may be a criminal or a pervert himself to say these things! I can’t believe this!
Anonymous
Yeah, let him free so I can put 4 in his chest and 1 in his head.
unsolved freak
Like this was his first murder… just probably had the luck of not getting caught.if the first lady in the interview hadn’t gone off she would have been raped and murdered
Jonathan wagers
Larry dickens murder is sad he was young very well mannered and like helping his mother with her lawn when he came to visit her august 24th 1978 was when he was murdered he didn’t deserve what happened to him I hope edward bell suffers forever
Judy Potts
Ditto
SHARON
THAT MAN IS A DOWN RIGHT DEVIL WHO KILLED ANOTHER HUMAN BEING I THINK HE OUGHT TO ROT IN HELL
Jojo West
@Jonathan Please explain why you think that monster should ever be released. You think 20yrs serving is sufficient for all the pain he’s caused Larrys family. His daughter will serve a lifetime sentence of pain and suffering, never knowing her father, the loss and emptiness his family will have until the day they die. Taking an innocent mans life and Larry not having the chance to live or even the choice. No, no prison term will ever be sufficient enough for what that sick man has caused and although death in this case would be justifiable, I’m just glad that monster is in a cage where “it” belongs! He’s no human!!! Either you’re one as well or you’re related to this disgusting thing, otherwise, I’m dumbstruck and bewildered by your sick sympathy!!
Lisa Ortiz
I know my father had something to do with the murders of the girls in 1970’s. I need someone to help me. I can and will start blowing these cases up again. I need all the help I can get…volunteers to do checks and research please contact me at Rayg1049@sbcglobal.net
Debbie Horvei
This may sound crazy however have you considered contaçting Kelly siegler from cold justic shes from texas and does this type of police work
lisa ortiz
yes and she sent me to a detective who would not listen because he said they solved it with Bell
Jeff
Jonathan you want that monster free??? Maybe you are a murder/rapist like him…
Jonathan
Let Edward bell free already
kelly- ann reese
Edward Harold Bell should never be free.
unbelieving
For u to say to let him go you must either be Edward Bell or a huge pervert murderer yourself! I hope he rots in prison. He shd have gotten the Chair!
Jena
Jonathan he is a rapist and killer. He deserves the chair and nothing less
Amanda
I didn’t think prisons let idiots use computers. Shut up and stick with what you know… which is nothing.
Jonathan
Look at all the trouble that has happened. I feel that Larry Dickens should’ve just minded his dam business, u can’t go around being a hero in this day and age and expect any good deed to go unpunished. I admire his bravery though. Once a gun was brandished that should’ve been the cue to back the hell off. And as far as Edward Bell, 20 years IS a lifetime. And especially in Texas, prison is no joke. I think he should be released to live whatever life he’s got left in peace.
Brooke
“In this day and age”? Larry Dickens was murdered in 1978, not 2015. It is a shame that this man lost his life, but the most disgusting part is that after rape convictions and exposing himself to children that this man was free in 1978. If that wasn’t enough of a slap in the face, a judge lacking the sense God gave a goat allowed this nasty pervert out on bail! That’s the travesty here. This monster had 15 years of freedom while Larry Dickens’s family had 15 years of hell. It’s hard to imagine such slack justice in Texas considering their use of capital punishment. How this man escaped the death penalty in Texas and got 70 years w/ chance for parole in 20 years is beyond my comprehension.
Shalee
Why should he ever get to have any peace in his life when Larry’s family will never have peace? They will have to mourn their loss for the rest of their lives. Larry gave his life to save others from suffering a similar fate at the hands of this monster. This man is pure evil and he should rot in prison, and then in hell. My prayers are with Larry’s family, God bless you all!!
Amanda
You are an IDIOT! God forbid you ever need help in this life… I pray God spares your hateful soul. Do the world a favor and keep your moronic comments to yourself and stay off of the internet, you make humans look dumb.
Reply
Edward Bell needs NEVER to walk among us again. Let him have peace at the end of each day knowing he is safe from his own demons. They can’t make him hurt anyone who is not there.
Old
He doesnt deserve peace
ontonfela
Hello. And Bye.
It is time for a change
No one who is accused murder should get bail ………….
Alex
This guy better never be free again, it was disgraceful he was ever given bail.
Fred Paige
Larry Dickens was a hero. He stopped Bell from committing many more murders in Texas.
Anonymous
This man should never be released! He is where he belongs and Wendy you are a very strong person! Edward bell will pay for his crimes and should not be released thank you unsolved mysteries for solving this case and giving people their life back. Thank you for all cases solved your show and services has helped countless people and will continue to do so!
Wendy Dickens
I was that three year old daughter of Larry Dickens. I’m so thankful for unsolved mysteries for finding my daddy’s murderer. Edward stole a piece of my life. He forever changed my future. I pray he never is released. He ruined lives of many many people.
Dan
I know it has been 37 years. But I’m very sorry on what you have been through. Idiots like Edward Bell really break my back!! I hope Edward rots in prison!!
Jeff
Wendy my thoughts and prayers are always with you….my sister and my two young nephews were taken from my family by her selfish boyfriend
sorry
Sorry for your loss of not having a daddy around because of this sick man who should have been given the chair. Stay strong and i hope you are doing well.
Judy Potts
I know it’s been a few years since your comment so I hope you see this and I don’t take away from you losing your daddy it’s not right that you had to grow up without a father because of a monster but I can’t imagine what your grandma and aunt had to go through. I feel just horrible for all of you
Lissa
Please tell me this man was denied parole!
grahamclayton
An newspaper report in which Bell confesses to multiple crimes and blames his father for “brainwashing” him:
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Confessions-of-a-cold-blooded-killer-2187501.php