BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man with a violent criminal history is facing three felony charges following a brutal domestic assault earlier this month.
Lee Bell, 52, also known as George Lee Bell, has been charged in Beltrami County District Court with the following:
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2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife)
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Felony Domestic Assault by Strangulation
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Felony Terroristic Threats – Reckless Disregard
🚨 Incident Details:
According to the criminal complaint, on July 1, 2025, Bell allegedly assaulted his intimate partner at her apartment in Bemidji.
The victim told police that Bell became enraged after she contacted her fiancé. He allegedly:
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Threw her to the ground
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Strangled her until she lost consciousness—multiple times
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Threatened to kill her while holding a large hunting knife, saying he’d “stick the knife in her and twist it.”
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Refused to let her leave until she convinced him she needed to go to work
The victim said she lost consciousness several times, had difficulty breathing, and urinated during one of the strangulation incidents. She reported pain in her throat, head, and chest.
🕵️ Arrest and History:
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Officers located Bell on July 3 in a wooded area after he sent disturbing “goodbye” messages to friends and family.
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He had self-inflicted knife wounds and was carrying the same hunting knife.
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Bell has a violent criminal history including:
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1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
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Multiple convictions for 2nd Degree Assault
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1st Degree Burglary
(All from December 2000 in Hennepin County)
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Bell is currently being held on a detention order, and the case remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. Follow TRF News for updates.
The history date of the previous felonies, where I was the victim; the date is noted incorrectly. It should read: July 2000.
I’m continually praying for his victim who was a friend of mine.