The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged 32-year-old Francis Nana with murder following the death of Patrolman Mark D. Bracewell at a security checkpoint near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge in central Monrovia.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 29, 2025, has sparked widespread public concern over road safety, adherence to traffic laws, and the increasing risks faced by law enforcement officers on duty.
According to the police charge sheet issued by the Ministry of Justice, Patrolman Bracewell was among a six-member police team deployed at a routine checkpoint tasked with vehicle inspection and enforcement of traffic regulations.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., Nana, operating a yellow Nissan Almera Sedan with license plate TX-A0022, reportedly refused to stop when instructed by Officer James Kermokai of the Police Support Unit.
As Nana accelerated through the checkpoint, Patrolman Bracewell attempted to stop the vehicle by closing an iron barrier and ultimately leaped onto the hood of the moving car to avoid being struck.
Eyewitness accounts and the official police investigation indicate that Nana continued driving at high speed across the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, despite clearly seeing Bracewell clinging to the front of the vehicle.
The charge sheet further asserted that Bracewell was heard pleading for his life, reportedly shouting, “You will kill me, please don’t kill me.” Despite these cries, Nana allegedly accelerated further and ultimately swerved into a concrete barrier in Vai Town, Bushrod Island, striking and fatally injuring the officer.
The victim sustained multiple wounds, including a fractured skull and severe lacerations.
Nana allegedly exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, abandoning the critically injured officer.
He was later apprehended by two private security guards, Joseph Doe of VIP Security Services and Amos Kumeh of Veteran Guard Security Services, who were stationed nearby and witnessed the aftermath of the incident.
The two detained Nana and turned him over to authorities.
During police interrogation, Nana claimed he became “confused” when the officer jumped onto the hood.
He further alleged that his vehicle suffered brake failure.
However, a mechanical inspection conducted by ACP Barney Johnny, Chief of Motor Pool for the LNP, confirmed that the vehicle’s braking system was fully functional.
Investigators dismissed Nana’s defense, concluding that his actions were deliberate and demonstrated a “wanton disregard for human life.” Police described the killing as “intentional, malicious, and premeditated,” noting that Nana fled the scene without rendering aid to the injured officer.
The report emphasizes that Patrolman Bracewell was lawfully executing his duties as a member of the Liberia National Police at the time of the incident.
LNP officials described him as a professional and dedicated officer, noting that he had been on duty continuously for over 24 hours before his death.
Commander CP Raffell A. Watson, who signed the charge sheet, confirmed that Nana has been charged under Chapter 14, Sub-Chapter A, Section 14.1 of the Revised Penal Law of the Republic of Liberia, which addresses the crime of murder.
Nana has been remanded and forwarded to the Monrovia City Court for prosecution.
The killing has renewed national debate over the protection of law enforcement officers and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic and checkpoint regulations.
Public outrage continues to grow, with civil society groups demanding swift justice for Patrolman Bracewell.
The Ministry of Justice has assured citizens that due process will be followed and the matter will proceed in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This tragic incident must serve as a warning,” a Ministry spokesperson stated.
“The laws of Liberia must be respected, and the lives of our officers must never be taken for granted.”
As the case moves forward, the nation continues to mourn the loss of Patrolman Bracewell, a man colleague remembers as courageous and committed to service.
His death stands as a sobering reminder of the daily dangers faced by officers working to uphold law and order in Liberia.
