Cornel Bell convicted of murdering Michelle Clarke in Weymouth home in 2017

WEYMOUTH — A 50-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his former girlfriend. Michelle Clarke was 33 when she was murdered in her Weymouth home five years ago.

Cornel Bell was convicted of first-degree murder after ambushing and stabbing Clarke 15 times, according to a statement from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.

Jury deliberations began on Wednesday and a verdict was delivered on Friday.

“After stabbing her to death, Bell fled to Cape Cod and eventually to Florida. It took months of coordinated investigation between Weymouth police, Massachusetts State Police homicide detectives and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, U.S. Marshals and Florida law enforcement to locate him,” District Attorney Michael Morrissey said. “He was eventually confronted at a construction site in Florida and apprehended after a brief chase. He has been held without bond ever since.”

According to the prosecutor, the defense admitted that Bell killed Clarke, but argued that there was no premeditation.

Clarke had a six-year-old child at the time of her death. The father of her child said he was on the phone with her when she was attacked. He said he hung up and called 911.

SafeLink is a free 24/7 domestic violence helpline and resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. The number is 877-785-2020.