“For close to 40 years, Mr. Belt has been under a cloud of suspicion in this investigation following false identification. He consistently maintained his innocence and was always cooperative with law enforcement. Wiley Belt did not know the Banks brothers, and they were unaware of him. We are thankful to see this tragic case conclude with today’s sentencing and appreciate the Prosecuting Attorney doing the right thing in dismissing Belt’s charges last year.”
“My story has never changed – I am completely innocent and had no part in Kelle’s tragic abduction and murder,” Wiley Belt, 70, said in a statement through his attorney. “My family prays that today’s sentencing gives Kelle’s family some closure at long last. I am grateful and relieved to finally have this heavy shadow from false identification lifted from our lives.”
Workman was kidnapped while she was mowing the lawn at Dogwood Cemetery in Douglas County on June 30, 1989. Her decomposed body was found eight days later in Christian County. After the initial investigation, the case went cold for 36 years before cold-case detectives reopened the case and uncovered new witness testimony.
“We are grateful for the diligence of the Prosecuting Attorney in uncovering the truth in this horrible crime and hope the Workman family has some peace and closure after so many years,” Passanise said. “Those responsible for Ms. Workman’s murder are being held accountable, and the false accusations against Mr. Belt have now been formally dismissed. Justice, although delayed, has been achieved for those involved.”
About Wampler & Passanise
Wampler & Passanise is one of the Midwest’s leading criminal defense firms. It is led by Managing Partner Joseph S. Passanise and Attorneys Thomas Carver and James Hayes.
