Continuing Coverage

New details surrounding North Naples homicide

By Julie Salomone

CREATED Aug. 10, 2012 - UPDATED: Aug. 10, 2012

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NAPLES, Fla. - New details in the North Naples homicide where a woman was found dead on her porch.

Investigators have now tracked down the person of interest in the case.
 
44-year-old Concetta Bedell was found dead at her home on Flame Vine Drive in Naples just before 7:00am on Wednesday. Detectives identifying Lawrence Joseph MacDonald as a person of interest in the case.
 
Although he does remain a person of interest, he is not in custody and has not been arrested 
at this time.
 
Fox 4 viewed court documents surrounding Bedell and Lawrence's relationship. The court documents show they had an abusive and violent relationship.
 
"We know that there was an injunction for protection in place. Obviously, we know there was a 
history of violence," said Linda Oberhaus, Executive Director, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.
 
When Bedell filed for the restraining order last year she wrote "I left because I was scared. 
When I came home Lawrence had shot 3 bullet holes into my bedroom wall."
 
The Shelter for Abused Women and Children says the most dangerous time for a victim is when they decide to leave.
 
"What we know is the point at which a person decides to leave either says they're 
going to leave the relationship, get a divorce, recently moved out is the most dangerous time 
for a person," said Oberhaus.
 
Bedell goes on to say in court records, "He has sent me texts saying as long as I keep my mouth shut everything will be okay." 
 
The Sheriff's Office reports also show MacDonald was asked by an officer during a domestic disturbance if he had any 
intentions of hurting himself or someone else. MacDonald answered "Suicide is a cowardly selfish act. Now homicide is not pretty, but when you do it, it feels 
pretty good." 
 
The Shelter in Naples says 96% of women killed, nationwide, never sought help from a shelter.
 
"What that says is as scary as it might be for a victim to actually leave and get help she 
needs to come into the shelter it's the most protective thing she can do. The safest thing 
she can do," said Oberhaus. 
 
According to court documents, Bedell filed for a restraining order after a domestic disturbance 
in July of last year. MacDonald remains a person of interest and has not been arrested.