LOS ANGELES – A man was charged Tuesday for murdering a 70-year-old nurse at a downtown bus stop last week.
“Sandra Shells unselfishly dedicated her life to caring for others in their time of need,” District Attorney Gascón said. “To lose such a valuable member of our community is tragic and my office will hold accountable the person responsible for her death.”
Kerry Bell, a homeless person, was charged with one count of murder for the unprovoked attack.
On January 13, Bell is accused of attacking Shells at a bus stop on Cesar Chavez Avenue and Vignes Street. Shells, who was on her way to work as a registered nurse at County USC Medical Center, fell backward and hit her head on the ground.
She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died three days later.
Bell was later arrested.
Shells had worked as a nurse for 38 years.
The hospital where she worked issued this statement: “Sandra Shells will forever be remembered for her compassionate care and unmatched dedication to her patients and her community throughout her 38-year career at LAC+USC. Sandra worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep her patients safe and healthy and will always be remembered as a ‘kind, compassionate and giving nurse’ with a ‘helpful and thoughtful nature’ who was a favorite amongst colleagues and patients. There will never be enough words to express our gratitude for her tremendous work and dedication.”
Liz Anderson, a neighbor of Shells told ABC 7, “Sandy was a very hard worker. Very private person, stayed to herself but she was always working. I think her whole job, her whole life, was just helping other people. Her personality would effect anybody. A very caring person that just loved everybody, and I know that this community will really, she’s just going to be missed.”
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
