The murder trial of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott and three other family members faced intense scrutiny from the Supreme Court justices on Tuesday. The prosecuting lawyers encountered rigorous questioning about the evidence linking the defendants to the crimes.
The justices specifically inquired about the DNA analysis conducted by Liberian pathologist Dr. Benedict Kolee, asking if it connected any defendants to the murder, criminal conspiracy, and false statements to law enforcement. Prosecutor Cllr. Bobby Livingstone admitted to the full Bench of the Supreme Court that the case was built on circumstantial evidence, given the defendants’ failure to identify the perpetrator. The justices criticized this approach, suggesting it was based on presumption and assumption rather than concrete proof.
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh and Associate Justice Jamesttat H. Wolokolie pressed Livingstone on whether all defendants were involved in the actual stabbing of Charloe Musu. Livingstone, one of the lead prosecutors in the Charloe Musu case at the lower court, reiterated that no intruder was found, and the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence to implicate all defendants.
Arguing his side of the appeal before the high court, defense counsel and former Associate Justice Kabeneh J’aneh raised five critical issues before the Supreme Court Bench. Justice J’aneh questioned whether the state met the evidential standard of proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” necessary for a murder conviction. He also questioned whether the state prosecutors established a prima facie case to justify a conviction, asking if they provided sufficient evidence to convince the defendants.
Cllr. J’aneh further criticized the trial judge’s denial of the defendants’ right to exercise twelve peremptory challenges, arguing it deprived them of a fair trial. He also argued that the trial judge violated Cllr. Gloria Musu-Scott’s right by removing her from her defense team, which infringed on her constitutional right to choose her legal representation. Additionally, J’aneh contended that the trial judge’s refusal to disband the jurors, despite evidence of improper contact with state prosecutors, prejudiced the defendants and deprived them of a fair trial.
J’aneh asserted that the state failed to present any eyewitnesses and relied on conflicting forensic and circumstantial evidence, which did not meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. As the trial continues, the defense maintains that the prosecution’s case lacks the solid evidence required for a conviction, while the justices’ concerns over the prosecutorial approach add another layer of complexity to this high-profile case.
Liberia’s Supreme Court justices appeared receptive to arguments challenging the murder conviction of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott and three family members. Legal experts consider this a potential reversal of their life sentences. The four were convicted in December 2023 by Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge Roosevelt Willie for the stabbing death of Musu-Scott’s niece, Charloe Musu. They were also found guilty of conspiracy and making false statements to law enforcement. However, during Monday’s nearly three-hour oral arguments, the justices raised doubts about the prosecution’s case.
Several legal practitioners present described the atmosphere as “shocking.” Justices questioned the prosecution heavily, particularly on the lack of concrete evidence linking each defendant to the murder weapon. “It was surprising to hear them ask if all the defendants used the same knife,” said one lawyer.
It can be recalled Liberia’s former chief justice and justice minister Gloria Maya Musu-Scott has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of her niece. It marks the fall from grace of one of Liberia’s most famous judges and politicians, who prided herself as a champion of women’s rights. Musu-Scott, 70, is now in jail, hoping to overturn the ruling on appeal. A judge sentenced the retired judge after a jury convicted her for the murder of Charloe Musu, 29. Musu-Scott’s trial heard that she – along with three other women – had “wilfully, intentionally, purposely and maliciously inflicted several bodily injuries” on her niece at her home last June.
Musu had suffered wounds to her chest, right hand, left thigh, and left armpit after being stabbed with a sharp instrument, believed to be a knife, the indictment alleged. The former chief justice denied the charge, saying the 29-year-old had been killed by an “assassin” who had entered her home in the capital, Monrovia.
As the Supreme Court justices continue to scrutinize the case, the outcome could significantly impact Liberia’s judicial system and the public’s trust in its ability to deliver justice impartially and effectively. The ongoing trial underscores the critical need for a fair legal process and highlights the challenges faced in high-profile cases involving prominent figures.
