Macon, GA: Macon man charged with murder in girlfriend’s death

BY AMY LEIGH WOMACK
A 45-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend who was found dead at their Newberg Avenue home early Friday morning.
Alphonzo McNear was being held without bond at the Bibb County jail Friday, according to jail records.
An autopsy revealed 53-year-old Sandra Joann Stell was strangled, Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said.
McNear called police at about 4 a.m. When officers arrived at 896 Newberg Ave., they found Stell dead with bruises on her face, neck and body, according to a Macon police report.
The officers talked with McNear, who said he and Stell drank an alcoholic beverage at about 8 p.m.
A little later, Stell played with her kitten.
At some point, McNear fell asleep.
When he awoke, he found Stell lying on their bedroom floor at the foot of the bed, according to the report.
He tried to wake her up. He called 911 when she didn’t respond, according to the report.
McNear was arrested Friday after the autopsy was complete, police Sgt. Zac Self said.
Stell’s death marks the 13th homicide in Macon in 2009.
Five homicides have been reported in Bibb County this year, Jones said.
To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.