By G. Watson Richards
On Monday, May 18, 2026, Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie declared a mistrial in the case against Francis Nana, the driver accused of causing the death of police officer Mark D. Bracewell, after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
The 12-member jury reported a deadlock following several hours of deliberations, splitting evenly with six jurors voting to convict and six voting to acquit. The division resulted in a hung jury, forcing the court to end the trial without a final judgment.
The case attracted considerable public and institutional attention. Approximately 200 officers from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service and Liberia National Fire Service attended the proceedings in support of the late officer’s family and colleagues.
During closing arguments, defense counsel Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I argued that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Nana intended to kill Officer Bracewell. He maintained that the incident should be treated as a traffic-related accident rather than a case of murder.
The defense further stated that there was no evidence of any prior relationship or conflict between Nana and Officer Bracewell that would suggest motive or premeditation.
Prosecutors, however, contended that the manner in which the officer was allegedly dragged by the vehicle demonstrated criminal intent. They urged the jury to return a guilty verdict on the murder charge and to impose a sentence of life imprisonment.
With the jury unable to reach a unanimous decision, the court declared a mistrial in line with criminal procedure.
The Ministry of Justice has not yet announced whether it will seek a retrial.
