David DeWayne Bell
Missing since July 11, 1986 from Owensboro, Daviess County, Kentucky
Classification: Missing
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance
Bell was last seen in Owensboro, Kentucky on July 11, 1986.
In the summer of 1986, three young people vanished from Daviess County, Kentucky without a trace. Months later, one body was found, increasing concern about what happened to the other two.
Angie Dickens was last seen by two friends who drove the 23-year-old home from a bar in the early morning hours of June 17, 1986. In October of 1986 the remains of Angie Dickens were found in a cornfield in Daviess County.
Sixteen-year-old Shannon Rena Green was last seen on July 6, 1986 in Owensboro.
A man with a long criminal history knew all three victims - John Reneer. Reneer's house was known in the 1980's as a place, where the younger crowd would hang out. His son was close in age to those later missing. Dewayne and Dewayne's father worked for Reneer and Shannon Green told her mother she was headed to Reneer's house to babysit the day she disappeared.
When new detectives picked up the case and had a renewed interest in Reneer, he also had an interest in talking to them. Not only did Reneer tell the new detectives he didn't commit the crimes, he says he knows who did and that there is a tape that proves it. He claims Dewayne Bell confessed to him that he killed both girls shortly before Dewayne himself disappeared. Police investigators were slow to believe it, until the tape suddenly surfaced 20 years later. Reneer says Bell also admitted killing another woman and her child from Tennessee.
According to Reneer, DeWayne's father helped bury Green. Days later, Dewayne Bell disappeared.
Authorities say the polygraph indicates Reneer didn't hurt Angie Dickens, Shannon Green or Dewayne Bell, and that his account of what happened was truthful.
Investigators
Owensboro Police Department
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Sergeant Mark Saffron
270-687-8888
NCIC Number: M-862677004
Source Information:
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.
14 WFIE
Messenger-Inquirer - 11/14/05