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One scorned lover went to great lengths to seek deadly revenge, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Willie Bell, a 44-year-old Chicago man, is accused of murdering his romantic rival, Timothy Lawrence, by dressing as a meter reader to gain access to his home.

According to the prosecutors’ harrowing account, Bell shot Lawrence in the head, then set his home on fire on September 12, the Tribune reports. Bell was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide, according to the outlet.

Bell was allegedly upset after he found out he and Lawrence were dating the same woman, resulting in a fit of rage. Prosecutors point to a series of Facebook posts in which Bell showed discontent over his ex-girlfriend’s new relationship.

Footage obtained from a local Home Depot on September 5 shows Bell purchasing a construction worker’s vest and helmet, according to the Tribune.

A week later, on September 12 around 11 a.m., Bell is captured on video wearing the same vest and helmet as he knocks at Lawrence’s front door.

Around noon, Bell exits the property wearing a shirt that says, “I’m that dude.” Bell returns nearly a half an hour later with an unnamed person, carrying two gas cans. Moments later, Lawrence’s security camera is disabled.

The Tribune reports a 911 call was placed around 12:45 p.m. to report a fire at Lawrence’s residence, but before the fire department arrived, an explosion occurred.

When authorities surveyed the home, they found Lawrence’s body severely burned. An autopsy later determined he died from a single gunshot to the head.

According to the Tribune, Bell’s DNA was found in Lawrence’s car and on a pair of eyeglasses. Cell phone records also place Bell in Lawrence’s neighborhood on the morning of September 12, the outlet reports.

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter

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