A Lee County man is now charged with murdering his wife earlier this year.

Spencer Tracy Bell, 54, was initially charged with first-degree elder abuse and neglect and first-degree domestic violence.

On Oct. 31, the grand jury indicted Bell on murder charges, according to newly released court documents.

On Feb. 6, Opelika police responded to a call of an unresponsive 68-year-old woman in the 2600 block of Frederick Road.

Barbara Ann Bell was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where she was placed in the intensive care unit.

Authorities said Barbara Bell died on February 8. The cause of his death has not been released.

Bell was arrested Feb. 13 on charges of elder abuse and neglect. Then, three days later, investigators added the domestic violence charge.

He was later released on bail.

Bell is expected to make his first court appearance next month.