Man pleads guilty to killing woman at Somerset church

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ) – A man accused of murdering and elderly woman at a Somerset church changed his plea from ‘not guilty’ to ‘guilty’ Monday, as part of a plea deal.

According to the Pulaski Circuit Court Clerk, Dwight Bell pleaded guilty to murder and robbery in the killing of Ruthie Carolyn New, 70, in the Denham Street Baptist Church activity center.

Police say the pastor of the church found New’s body on August 24.

Investigators say after the murder, Bell left in New’s car, driving to Indianapolis and ditching the car.

Bell was arrested in Tennessee in September.

According to the circuit clerk, Bell will be sentenced on Thursday, November 9.

Prosecutors are recommending life without parole on the murder charge and 20 years on the robbery charge.