At about 7:39 PM, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, officers assigned to District D-4 (South End) arrested, James Morale, 26, of Boston, for the murder of Bihlal Bell that occurred in the area of 50 Orchard Park on April 11, 2022.
Morale was stopped in a motor vehicle for an infraction when officers discovered he had an outstanding murder warrant for his arrest. Officers were able to place the suspect into custody without incident.
This arrest came as a result of a coordinated investigation between the Boston Police Homicide Unit and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office which resulted in the issuance of a warrant on multiple charges including Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court.
The original facts and circumstances surrounding the incident are as follows: At about 5:46 PM, on Monday, April 11, 2022, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person shot at 50 Orchard Park. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim was later identified as Bihlal Bell, 31 Boston.
The Boston Police Department continues to actively review the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470.
Community members wishing to assist in this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.
To those who find themselves in need of emotional support or simply needing to talk to someone about distressing events in our community, the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) provides free, private support 24/7 at (617) 431-0125.