Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- It’s life in prison for the man convicted of murdering an elderly woman inside the church she had attended for decades.

A Pulaski County Judge sentenced Dwight Bell to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Bell pleaded guilty to the murder of 70-year-old Ruthie Carolyn New who was found dead inside the Denham Street Baptist Church in Somerset in August.

Dozens of new’s family members were in court today.

It was an emotional day for the family of New who packed into the courtroom to watch as her convicted killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

“She had three grand children, two step granddaughters, a great grandson and three great granddaughters. Saturday’s her birthday, she would have been 71,” said Jonathan New, New’s son.

Family of New took Thursday’s sentencing of her killer as a chance to confront him for his crime.

“Dwight bell chose to violently take the life of an innocent woman trying to help because that is what he wanted to do,” said Donna Meece, New’s sister.

Judge David Tapp sentenced Bell to life in prison without parole but not before telling him just how heinous he believed his crime was.

“You took from all of us. You stole the innocence from this community,” said Judge Tapp.

New’s family says they appreciate the judge’s words but are still coming to terms with the state’s decision to offer Bell a plea deal.

“We had hoped for the death penalty. I understand why we went this route and I think it gives us closure. His words were perfect, what we needed to hear,” said Chris Meece, New’s nephew.

The family tells me they are thankful this ordeal is finally somewhat over.

They say they now want to focus on remembering New for the kind and godly person they say she was.