MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Division of Drug and Crime Control - P. O. Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Captain Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
DDCC# 01082011
February 10, 2011

EMPHASIS: Mobile Meth Lab Results In Murder Arrest


Captain Kyle Marquart, director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrest of Robert L. Bunch Jr. for the murder of Kimberly Bell.

On Tuesday, February 8, 2011, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Robert L. Bunch Jr., 30, of Doe Run, Missouri, at the Troop C Service Center in Park Hills, Missouri. The arrest was in connection to the death of Kimberly Bell. Bell was killed as a result of an apparent mobile meth lab exploding in the vehicle allegedly being driven by Bunch. The explosion occurred on December 30, 2010, on Missouri Route N, in Bismarck, Missouri. Bell died on January 6, 2011, as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Mineral Area Drug Task Force.

This is another example that meth labs are extremely dangerous. These labs, as evidenced in this report, can vary in size and are easily transported. Methamphetamine contains items found at your local pharmacy or hardware store. It is a volatile mix and hazardous to the environment and anyone near it. Meth labs are a hazardous waste site and must be cleaned up by specially trained law enforcement personnel. Missouri leads the nation in meth lab seizures. Thus, law enforcement officers undergo intensive training on how to dismantle meth laboratories safely. The Highway Patrol is committed to removing this dangerous, illegal drug from our state. If you suspect the presence of a meth lab, call the Highway Patrol at 1-888-823-6384.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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