American missionary Lucas Richards, currently on trial for the alleged attempted murder of his Liberian wife, Jessica Lloyd, vehemently denied the accusations leveled against him in the Criminal Court. During his testimony on Monday, March 25, 2024, Richards asserted that he was wrongly charged and insisted he had no involvement in the incident that resulted in Jessica’s injury.

Charged by the Liberia National Police in Monrovia, Richards recounted the events of September 14, 2023, in the Dixville Community. He narrated that while he and his Liberian wife were driving, he noticed a mechanical issue with the vehicle’s tire. Deciding to address the problem, Richards parked the car to make repairs. As he worked beneath the vehicle, Jessica stood at the back.

Richards claimed to have heard a loud sound of a motorcyclist attempting to stop, prompting him to emerge from under the car. To his horror, he found Jessica pinned under the motorbike. Amidst the chaos, the motorcyclist accused Richards of attempting to harm his wife, escalating the situation.

Faced with an angry crowd, Richards fled the scene, leaving Jessica behind, and promptly reported himself to the police station. Throughout his testimony, he maintained his innocence, refuting any involvement in the incident. Additionally, Richards denied accusations of terminating Jessica’s pregnancy, citing his medical condition that renders him unable to conceive.

He clarified that Jessica was aware of his condition and had proposed to act as a surrogate mother for any future child they might have. However, before finalizing any arrangements, Jessica’s family initiated discussions regarding traditional marriage customs, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Richards emphasized that he never resorted to any means to terminate Jessica’s pregnancy, reiterating his commitment to truth and justice. As the trial continues, the case has garnered significant attention, stirring debates about cultural differences, marital dynamics, and the pursuit of justice in Liberia’s legal system.