Danielle Bell Has Been Missing From North Escambia For 20 Years

October 11, 2021

A Tate High School student has now been missing for over 20 years.

Danielle Arion Bell was last seen at age 14 at a September 2001 party the 500 block of Cedar Tree Lane, between Highway 29 and Highway 95A in Cantonment.

Witnesses told authorities that Bell left a party with a man that was in his mid-20s at the time. Escambia County deputies later questioned that man and searched his home, but he was never charged in connection with the case.

During the summer of 2007, Alfredo Gomez Sanchez, Jr. was charged with providing law enforcement with false information about his whereabouts at the time Bell disappeared. He was not implicated in her disappearance.

In October 2010, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit served a search warrant at the home.

As part of that search warrant, a septic tank behind the residence was pumped out, and dogs from Escambia County Search and Rescue were also used to search the area.  Investigators said nothing was found, and they would not say what new information might have led to the search.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Danielle has a scar on her right forearm and blue eyes. She had brown hair at the time of her disappearance. Danielle, whose nickname was “Dani”, was a member of the Tate Aggies cheerleading squad. The popular teen enjoyed dancing and drawing.

Anyone with information about Bell is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

Pictured first below: Investigators pumped and searched a septic tank at this home on Cedar Tree Lane in Cantonment in October 2010 in the case of missing teen Danielle Arion Bell. Pictured below: A search and rescue K-9 team was also on site. Pictured bottom: A septic tank company employee prepares to pump a septic tank at the home. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Danielle Bell Has Been Missing From North Escambia For 20 Years”

  1. Jennifer white on June 20th, 2023 3:39 am

    This was a childhood best friend. I met her at the skating rink in Pensacola. She was so kind and I admired her beauty. She was so fun to be around and had a huge heart. I can’t believe she is still missing and I keep this page open in hopes for new information about her whereabouts or what happened to her arise. Dani you are loved and truly missed.

  2. Howie on October 14th, 2021 10:40 am

    The party was at the Bassett family residence on Cedar Tree Ln.

    Bassett was 24 years old and Bell was 14 years old on this date. But a 14 yr old has no business partying with people much older than they are. I have a 15 yr old granddaughter, and most don’t understand the dangers of being with older “partying” adults. They are interested in the “party”, and think nothing about bad things that could happen. Alcohol and drugs could have played a big part in Dani’s disappearance. Altering someone’s mind creates a whole different scenario

    Sorry Dani has not been found. It would be great for the family to get closure and find her or get details as to what happened to her. Better yet, make an arrest and sentence the thug that did this.

    Prayers that this Cold Case comes to life soon.

  3. MRS on October 14th, 2021 9:00 am

    I remember sweet Danielle and think about her often. So sad to know nothing has came to light after this long.

  4. Duke of Wawbeek on October 14th, 2021 5:42 am

    I would speak with the resident male.

    You dangle enough ca$h reward, or sentence time in front of a witness, you might just loosen them up a little.

  5. Shaunikia on October 12th, 2021 10:37 am

    Robert L. Bassett is an EVIL MONSTER. He is constantly committing crimes. He follows no laws.

    Check out Escambia County and Santa Rosa County Jail View – long list of crimes.

    Sheriff Simmons said when you deal in drugs, violence will ensue. Getting this MONSTER off the streets will be icing on the cake.

    I hope to be reading someday that he got sentenced to prison for a long time.

  6. Yep on October 12th, 2021 3:06 am
  7. Check Facebook on October 11th, 2021 5:37 pm

    Robert Bassett knows more than he’s leading everyone to believe !! I always felt like he was the one did it.

  8. local mama on October 11th, 2021 11:31 am

    I pray for her family often. I will never forget this tragic loss, Her family needs closure. If you know of this incident and have information that you are withholding, I beg, implore you to call the sheriff’s department. Do what is right in the sight of God for her family!

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