By Patrick Teah, Jr.
Concerns are mounting in Buah Worpluken, Grand Kru County, following an incident in which a 43-year-old man accused of sexual abuse was found hanging unconscious inside a police holding cell only hours after his arrest, prompting scrutiny of custodial safety measures.
The suspect, James Doe, a resident of Buah Worpluken and a member of the Grebo ethnic group, was arrested around 7:00 a.m. on January 14, 2026, by the Community Watch Forum (CWF).
He is accused of sexually abusing Oretha Doe, a 50-year-old woman who was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the alleged offense.
According to a situation report submitted to the Grand Kru County Police Detachment, the suspect was subsequently turned over to the Liberia National Police (LNP), under the command of Inspector Darpoe G. Karweah, Buah Police Commander.
Inspector Karweah said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights during preliminary questioning but denied the allegation.
Police disclosed that relatives of the victim reported that Oretha Doe was discovered lying helpless in a room following the alleged incident.
During questioning, the woman told officers that she had been drinking alcohol and later awoke during the night to realize that the suspect had allegedly taken advantage of her.
The victim’s 22-year-old son, Jackson Doe, informed police that he allegedly caught the suspect during the act, restrained him, and raised an alarm, which led to the suspect’s arrest by community members.
In line with standard procedures for sexual and gender-based violence cases, police instructed the victim’s family to take her to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
However, upon officers’ return to the Buah Police Station, they reportedly found the suspect hanging unconscious from a window inside the holding cell, with his shirt tied around his neck in what police described as an apparent suicide attempt.
Security sources said the suspect was immediately rescued, given medical attention and conduction stabilized.
The incident has since sparked concern among residents and rights advocates over detention protocols, particularly how the suspect was able to retain clothing capable of self-harm, the level of monitoring in the holding cell, and whether proper custodial safeguards were observed.
Police authorities say investigations are ongoing into both the alleged sexual abuse and the circumstances surrounding the incident in custody.
In a statement, the Liberia National Police assured the public that a full and impartial investigation will be conducted and urged residents of Buah Worpluken to remain calm as the law takes its course.
Further details are expected as investigations continue.
