A tragic case from Wyoming has shocked the community after a young mother was found dead in a motel room, allegedly killed by the father of her child. Authorities say the couple’s young daughter discovered her mother’s body and later told police that “Daddy was mad” and “Mommy’s dead.” The disturbing case has led to a second-degree murder charge against a 25-year-old man.
Police respond to report of a dead woman
The incident happened on March 7 in Riverton, Wyoming. According to the Riverton Police Department, officers were called to the Ol’ Wyoming Motel on North Federal Boulevard after receiving a report about a possibly deceased woman.
When first responders arrived at the motel room, they found a woman lying inside. She was later identified as 24-year-old Angelina Rose Bell.
Authorities quickly secured the scene and began a homicide investigation after noticing signs that suggested foul play.
Investigators said they discovered a 9 mm shell casing inside the room, which raised immediate suspicion that the death was the result of a shooting.
Suspect identified and taken into custody
Police soon identified Sterling Louis Black, 25, as the main suspect in the case.
According to authorities, Black turned himself in later the same day after Bell’s body was discovered. He was taken into custody and charged with one count of second-degree murder.
Officials initially released only limited details because the investigation was ongoing.
However, more information about what happened inside the motel room later emerged through court documents.
Young daughter discovered her mother’s body
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the case involves the couple’s young daughter.
According to a probable cause affidavit cited in reports, the child was the person who first discovered her mother’s body.
A 911 caller reportedly told emergency dispatchers that the little girl had found her mother and saw a large amount of blood.
Responding officers confirmed that Bell had suffered a gunshot wound to the face.
The child also spoke with officers and later with a victim-witness coordinator at the police station.
Child’s statements raised serious concerns
During conversations with investigators, the young girl reportedly made several statements describing what she had seen.
According to court documents, the child told officers:
- “Momma’s in my bathroom.”
- “Mommy has blood on her.”
- “Daddy was mad at Mommy.”
- “Daddy went for a walk.”
- “Mommy’s dead.”
These statements became important details in the investigation as authorities tried to understand what happened inside the motel room.
Evidence recovered at the scene
Detectives searched the bathroom where the victim’s body was found and recovered several pieces of evidence.
A spent 9 mm shell casing was discovered inside the toilet bowl. Investigators also found a plastic gun case designed for a SAR 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.
However, the firearm itself was not initially located at the scene.
Inside the gun case were two empty magazines.
The Fremont County coroner examined Bell’s body at the scene and documented a bullet entry wound near the bridge of her nose next to her right eye.
Forensic findings suggested close-range shot
Investigators also observed a pattern known as stippling on the victim’s face. Stippling happens when gunpowder particles strike the skin during a close-range gunshot.
The pattern was seen across Bell’s nose, forehead, eyes, and right cheek.
According to investigators, the presence of stippling and the lack of gas burns suggested the weapon was fired from a short distance, possibly several inches to about two feet away.
A fired bullet was later recovered from the bathroom floor in front of the sink area. Authorities noted that there was no exit wound.
Investigators also reported signs of drug and alcohol use inside the bathroom.
Interestingly, nearby motel guests said they did not hear a gunshot or argument.
Suspect’s father helped locate the weapon
Several hours after the body was discovered, Black contacted authorities and said he planned to turn himself in.
Reports indicate that Black’s father found him in an abandoned trailer on his property and encouraged him to surrender to police.
The father also handed over a SAR 9 mm handgun to investigators. Police said the serial number on the firearm matched the gun case that had been found in the motel room.
Serious charge and possible sentence
Sterling Louis Black has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Angelina Rose Bell.
Under Wyoming law, second-degree murder carries a possible prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life.
The case is still moving through the legal system, and further court hearings will determine how the prosecution proceeds.
