By Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County | Nov. 11, 2025 | A tragic incident in Chedepo Putuken, River Gee County, has left one man dead and another in police custody after a violent altercation at a local gold mining site.
According to eyewitnesses, 23-year-old Chris Teh, popularly known by the nickname “Devil Palm,” allegedly attacked and killed his friend, 20-year-old Moses Washington, following a heated argument at the gold field.
Witnesses told reporters that the two men, who were reportedly close friends and shared a tent with other miners at the site, began arguing late Monday night when Teh mocked Washington, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for his young daughter, who, according to sources, lives with another man in the same town of Putuken.
Washington the victim, who was said to be resting under the tent at the time, reportedly told Teh to focus on his own life and let his parents worry about his affairs.
The exchange quickly escalated, and in a fit of rage when Teh allegedly grabbed a cutlass and struck Washington on the right knee, severing key veins.
Witnesses say Washington collapsed immediately, bleeding profusely. Despite efforts by fellow miners to render aid, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene before help could arrive.
Following the incident, a group of gold miners apprehended Teh as he attempted to flee the area.
He was subsequently turned over to the Community Watch Forum of Liberia – CWFL in Putuken and later transferred to the Liberia National Police – LNP River Gee detachment Fish-Town, where he remains in custody pending investigation.
Local authorities have launched a formal investigation into the killing. Police sources in Fish Town confirmed that Teh will likely face charges of murder under Liberian law.
The Chedepo Putuken community has been left in shock by the incident. Residents described both men as longtime friends who worked together at the gold field for several months. Archie Toe, one of the local miners said, “We never expected something like this from Chris. They used to laugh and joke together every day.”
The tragic killing highlights growing concerns about violence and social tensions among young artisanal miners in River Gee County’s unregulated gold fields, where disputes over money, relationships, and living conditions are common.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as the investigation continues.
