Bargery Charged in Lake Co. Double Murder
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The Dyersburg State Community College student accused of killing Sue Shell, 69, and Clarence Shell, 70, in their Tiptonville home could face capital murder charges. A Lake County judge denied requests from Joshua Hunter Bargery’s attorneys to set a bond for the 20-year-old. He remains in Lake County Jail. According to Lake County Sheriff Bryan Avery, Bargery confessed to the two murders shortly after being contacted. Avery said Bargery was “talkative.” While Avery would not speculate on how the couple were killed, he described their Tiptonville home as a “very violent crime scene.” It was an anonymous tip that led Lake County Investigators to Bargery. “It was just a tip we had gotten,” said Avery. “We got several tips that day.” Jacob Hutcheson, who said he has known Bargery his whole life, doesn’t believe his friend acted alone. “He wouldn’t have done it on his own. I know that,” said Hutcheson. “I can’t make sense of it.” Avery would not comment on that aspect of the investigation, telling ABC 7 only that it was ongoing. Hutcheson said Bargery had become more and more private over the past several years. He had started doing drugs. An affidavit obtained by ABC 7 Eyewitness News shows that Bargery was found with 19.3 grams of marijuana and a digital scale with marijuana residue on it. His next court appearance will be March 31st. If Bargery is found guilty of capital murder, he could face the death penalty.
