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For Killing  His Security Guard 

In a landmark ruling, the 5th Judicial Circuit Court in the  Grand Cape Mount County has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Alfred G. Kamara, aged 43, for the murder of James Moore, aged 50, his personal security guard at a diamond mining site in the Town of Jahwahjah. The incident, which occurred on January 17, 2023, sent shockwaves through the community situated in Lofa Bridge, Gola Konneh District.

The verdict was delivered by Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh following a three-week trial, during which the jury unanimously found Defendant Kamara guilty. The court’s decision came after rejecting a Motion for New Trial filed by the Defense Counsel in an attempt to overturn the guilty verdict.

According to the indictment brought by the Government of Liberia, Defendant Kamara accused the deceased, who served as his watchman at the diamond mining site, of stealing fuel oil from his mining equipment. Allegedly, Kamara was seen transporting Moore on his motorbike back to the mining site for an investigation into the missing fuel oil. However, Moore was never seen alive again, with his body later discovered on the bank of the Lofa River, 100 meters from Kamara’s diamond mining site, showing signs of foul play.

Judge Wesseh’s sentencing followed a thorough pre-sentence investigation in accordance with Section 50.5 and 501.3 of Liberia’s new penal code, which stipulates either the death penalty or life imprisonment for individuals found guilty of murder. While the defense team, led by Cllr. Boimah Passawe, has accepted the ruling, they have announced plans to appeal the decision before the full bench of the Supreme Court.

County Attorney for Cape Mount, Cllr. Nyonkpao Daye, commended the court for delivering justice to the family of the deceased. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for acts of violence within society.

This verdict sends a clear message that crimes against individuals, especially those entrusted with safeguarding others, will not be tolerated. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

As the legal process unfolds, the community and the nation at large await the outcome of the appeal, hoping for continued transparency and fairness in the pursuit of justice. In the meantime, the sentencing of Alfred G. Kamara serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing heinous crimes and the responsibility of the courts to uphold justice for the victims and their families.

Credit; News Public Trust