On January 1, 2026, Deevelyn Lynn Bell, 47, died from a gunshot wound at a Fort Smith residence on the 2800 block of Independence Street. Officers responding to a disturbance around 4:30 p.m. heard a report of a loud bang and forced entry through a locked bedroom door, where they found Deevelyn and 49-year-old Mark Bell, both with fatal gunshot injuries. Investigators recovered a handgun at the scene and say they believe only the two were involved; the investigation remains open and the bodies were sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

Deevelyn, known to family as Lynn, was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and described by relatives as a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed crafting with her granddaughters and helping children in need. A funeral service took place January 9 at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery in Booneville.

Does anyone have information about the Bells or what happened at the Independence Street residence on January 1 that could help the investigation?