Robert Holmes Bell, a distinguished federal judge with a 30-year career marked by a landmark death penalty case in Michigan, has passed away at the age of 79. The court's chief deputy clerk, Michelle Benham, confirmed his passing on Friday, but the cause remains undisclosed.

Bell's legacy is one of judicial influence, described by state appeals court Judge Chris Yates, a frequent presence in Bell's courtroom as a defense attorney, as "a true giant" of the federal bench.

Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, Bell served until his retirement in 2017. His tenure was marked by numerous high-profile cases, most notably the 2002 trial of Marvin Gabrion.

Gabrion was convicted of drowning Rachel Timmerman in a national forest lake in Newaygo County. While Michigan abolished the death penalty in 1847, federal law allowed for capital punishment in this case due to the crime's occurrence on federal land. Following the U.S. Justice Department's directive, prosecutors pursued the death penalty, which the jury unanimously endorsed, leading to Bell's historic sentencing.

Even 21 years later, Gabrion remains on death row as his appeals continue. Known for his intimidating demeanor, including a courtroom outburst where he struck his attorney, Gabrion presented a unique challenge. Bell, however, remained unfazed, recounting in a 2016 WOOD-TV interview how he directly addressed Gabrion's menacing stares, stating for the record that they had no effect on him.

Beyond high-profile trials, Bell was known for his compassionate engagement with individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration, often inquiring about their needs and offering personal encouragement, a gesture that surprised and touched many.