The Stipendiary Magistrate of Monrovia City Court Ben L. Barco has scheduled Thursday, July 2, 2026, for final arguments in the preliminary hearing of an assault case involving social media influential Dr. Vicky Gray and several co-defendants, following the conclusion of testimony and the close of the prosecution’s case.
The case, Republic of Liberia by and through Stephen Weah, Joseph C. Weah Jr., and Emmanuel Buno versus Dr. Vicky Gray and Others, includes charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, menacing, criminal conspiracy, and disorderly conduct.
Magistrate Barco confirmed the date after both sides rested their cases at the end of Wednesday’s proceedings.
“Arguments tomorrow at 9:00am. AND SO ORDERED,” the court ruled, formally closing the evidentiary stage of the preliminary hearing.
The prosecution called Liberia National Police investigator George K. Quaye, who outlined how the complaint was received, investigated, and later left unresolved at the police level after complainants indicated they wanted the matter withdrawn.
“The team reconstructed the crime scene and an identified witness… footage was displayed on screen…but the victim party wrote to the Inspector General requesting withdrawal. Based upon that, the investigation was not concluded,” the investigator told the court.
He also told the court that video footage from the scene was obtained electronically and later identified during proceedings.
Complainant Stephen Weah testified that the incident occurred at a Cigar Bar on 19th Street in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. He told the court he was assaulted after an exchange involving Dr. Gray and individuals described as bouncers.
“When I approached the scene, I met three bouncers at the stairs that blocked me… within seconds I got hit… I saw several men over me beating, kicking and hitting me,” he said, adding that he later sought medical attention.
Another complainant, Joseph C. Weah Jr., also testified that he was attacked during the same incident and sustained injuries. He told the court that medical records and photographs support his account.
Defense counsel challenged parts of the prosecution’s evidence, particularly the authenticity and handling of video materials introduced during testimony.
“Objection: lack of foundation and authenticity,” defense Counsel Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I, argued during the introduction of CCTV footage.
The court admitted several exhibits, including medical reports and photographs, while sustaining some objections relating to evidentiary foundation.
The investigating officer acknowledged that while an altercation took place, the police investigation did not conclusively determine individual responsibility.
“There was a tussle at the Cigar Bar, but the investigation could not establish who did what,” he testified.
After both sides concluded their presentations, the prosecution rested its case, and the defense completed its cross-examinations.
Judge Barco court admitted the evidence into the record and ordered both parties to return Thursday for final arguments, which will determine the next stage of the proceedings.
