The air in Criminal Court “B” grew heavy with emotion on Tuesday as defendant Bill Jallah, standing trial for the murder of Princess Zuo Wesseh, took the witness stand and dissolved into tears, offering a tearful plea for forgiveness.
Dressed in a faded orange prison uniform and shackled at the wrists, Jallah’s voice trembled as he addressed the court with grieving relatives including the minor of the deceased.
“I honestly can’t really recall everything that happened on that day,” he said, his eyes red and swollen. “I want to plead with the government and this court for the incident that happened. I am deeply sorry to Princess’s family and her mother, Ma-May. I’m sorry.”
The courtroom remained hushed as Jallah struggled to compose himself. His voice cracked repeatedly as he extended apologies to those most affected by Princess’s death, especially her young son, now motherless, and her younger brother, Isaac.
“I’m sorry that her son has to lose his mother at a very young age,” he said, choking back sobs. “I also want to say sorry to Princess’s little brother, Isaac… and to all those this incident has affected.”
Jallah has been held at the Monrovia Central Prison since his arrest.
According to his testimony, the months behind bars have been spent in painful reflection. Though he did not offer a detailed account of what led to Wesseh’s death, he insisted he has been tormented by guilt.
“For the few times I’ve been in prison, I’ve been reflecting over and over, and nothing makes sense to me,” he told the court. “Once again, I’m asking the citizenry and those affected… please, I’m kindly asking the government to exercise justice with mercy.”
In a solemn admission that underscored the seriousness of the proceedings, he concluded:
“I’m appealing for mercy because I have been charged with murder for killing Princess Wesseh.”
The emotional weight of Jallah’s testimony stirred mixed reactions in the courtroom.
The prosecution alleges that the murder was premeditated, and Wesseh’s death has since sparked national outrage and intensified calls for justice in cases of gender-based violence.
Public outcry has painted Princess Wesseh not only as a victim of a horrific crime but as a symbol of the many women whose stories go unheard.
Presiding over the trial is His Honor Judge Wesseh Alphonsus Wesseh, who has urged patience and restraint as the case proceeds amid intense public scrutiny.
Jallah’s legal team had filed a formal plea bargain petition before Criminal Court “A”, potentially shifting the course of this murder trial.
Filed in August, 2025, before His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Circuit Judge for Montserrado County, the plea petition outlines the defendant’s willingness to accept responsibility through a negotiated sentence, thereby avoiding a full criminal trial.
Highlights of the Plea Petition:
Jallah confirms he has read and fully understands the charges against him, including the potential consequences.
According to his legal team headed by Cllr. Jimmy Saah Bombo, of the Center Law Offices, the plea is made in good faith, without coercion or intent to delay the proceedings.
The defendant agreed to adhere to any conditions or penalties imposed by the court.
A supporting affidavit, filed as Exhibit “P/1”, attests to the sincerity and legality of the plea request.
However, plea agreements are recognized under Liberian law, and courts have discretion to consider them, especially in cases where defendants show remorse, pose no ongoing threat to society, and have no criminal history.
At the heart of it all remains the memory of Princess Wesseh, a young woman whose life was cut short under brutal circumstances, and whose name now echoes through courtrooms, newsrooms, and community halls as Liberia reckons with its duty to protect women and deliver justice.
