Ronn Jermaine Bell, 38, (above) has been charged with first degree murder for the death of community leader Sadie Roberts-Joseph on Tuesday

Police have arrested a man in the slaying of community leader Sadie Roberts-Joseph, who founded Baton Rouge's African-American history museum.

Ronn Jermaine Bell, 38, was taken into custody on Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder. He's now being held at East Baton Rouge Parish Jail.

The suspect was a tenant in a rental property owned by the 75-year-old and was behind on rent by several months, owing her around $1,200, police said.

Police Chief Murphy J. Paul said that a 'solid motive' remains under investigation but they do not believe Roberts-Joseph's death was a hate crime or related to her community activist role.

Roberts-Joseph's body was discovered Friday in the trunk of her own vehicle. An autopsy ruled homicide by 'traumatic asphyxia including suffocation.'

A warrant was already issued for Bell for unrelated charges that included failing to comply, probation regulations and failing to register as a sex offender.

Sadie Roberts-Joseph (left) will be remembered as a community activist and the beloved founder of the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African-American history museum. Here she chatted with Louisiana State Police Lt. Col. Murphy Paul (right) in 2017

Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Murphy Paul, announced the arrest of Ronn Jermaine Bell, 38, (shown on the right monitor). He has been charged with first-degree murder over the death of community activist and Baton Rouge African-American History Museum founder Sadie Roberts-Joseph

The body of Roberts-Joseph (left) was discovered in the trunk of her car nearly three miles away from her home. Tributes poured in from the community as well as flowers (right) that were left near to the African-America history museum that she founded in 2001

Bell pleaded guilty to sexual battery against a nine-year-old girl in 2007, according to the Advocate newspaper.

He was due to stand trial for aggravated rape before a plea deal lessened the offence and served him a seven year sentence.

At the time, the site reported that the girl did not tell anyone immediately because she didn't think anyone would believe her, the site reported. But after 'hearing other children talk about how it was wrong for people to do those types of things,' she spoke out.

Bell's most recent address in a database for sex offenders was six-tenths of a mile away from Roberts-Joseph's home, according to the Advocate.

They also found that Bell two tattoos, one of the name 'Narissa' on his left arm and 'Ronn' on his right shoulder.

During the investigation, two teams of detectives were working 'around the clock' to figure out a cause for the 'much beloved' woman's death according to Police Chief Murphy.

Roberts-Joseph was last seen at 11.00am on Friday visiting her sister. Her body would later be discovered over three miles away from her home at around 3.45pm.

At the time, Coroner Dr. William "Beau" Clark described the death as 'particularly tragic,' in a statement.

'She's special. She's touched so many people in this community over the years. She was a true public servant,' Police Chief Murphy told ABC News.

The body of Roberts-Joseph was discovered in the trunk of her white car (above) at around 3.45pm on Friday. She was found nearly three miles away from her home

Roberts founded an African-American history museum in Baton Rouge in 2001, it would later be renamed but remains a legacy of her life

Roberts-Joseph founded the museum in 2001 that is now named the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African-America museum. It is housed on the campus of New St. Luke Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

She also organised the area's Juneteenth Festival at the museum, which commemorates the day slaves were freed in Texas, years after the Emanicpation Proclamation was signed.

The community activist had also worked with police on anti-drug and violence programs.

In an interview with the victim's niece Pat McCallister-Leduff, ABC was told: 'We're devastated that someone has actually killed her and put her in the trunk of her own car.'

'I have no idea why someone would do such a heinous act or commit such a heinous act for someone who had nothing but love for this community and love for people,' Mayor Sharon Weston Broome said to the site.

On the day of her death, Roberts-Joseph had headed to her sister Beatrice Johnson's home The Advocate reported. She visited to bake cornbread, after her oven stopped working. She would never return to collect it.

Community activist Roberts-Joseph (center) worked with police on anti-drug and violence programs

Roberts-Joseph pictured at the Juneteenth Festival in the museum she founded. She will remembered dearly by the community

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux spoke of Roberts-Joseph in a Facebook post, describing the 'strong legacy of character and faith' that she leaves behind.

'Hate tried to silence Mrs. Sadie, but her voice will continue to ring strong for peace and love through the countless people she touched,' she said.

'I’m heartbroken that our community has lost such a kind and selfless soul in such a violent, tragic manner.

'I’m grateful for the swift action of the Baton Rouge Police Department and Louisiana State Police in finding her alleged killer and putting him behind bars.

'I will continue to pray that justice is served as her friends and family move forward in healing.'

It's unclear whether Bell is represented by an attorney.