By Gareyson Neufville
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Maryland County has sentenced Dougbe Newton and Friday Newton to 30 years in prison, including five years of hard labor, for the murder of Josephine Sieh.
Assigned Circuit Judge Cllr. George S. Wiles Jr. handed down the sentence on Monday following a jury verdict that found the two men guilty of murder.
The court also instructed the Clerk of Court to prepare permanent commitment orders for the convicted men to be detained at Harper Central Prison.
The case initially involved nine defendants. Charges against four were dismissed, while five proceeded to trial after entering pleas of not guilty.
During the proceedings, Victor Brown pleaded guilty, while Augustine Karyee and David Y. Sieh maintained their not-guilty pleas.
Following final arguments, the jury acquitted Augustine Karyee, returned a hung verdict in the case involving David Y. Sieh, and found Dougbe Newton and Friday Newton guilty of murder. Karyee was subsequently released.
According to the indictment, Josephene Sieh of Gbaken Town was allegedly beaten to death on the night of August 8, 2025, after the defendants accused her of witchcraft.
The indictment further alleged that Sieh was tied up during the assault before her body was dumped in a bush. Her body was later discovered with visible bruises.
In its final ruling, the court said the evidence and circumstances presented during the trial established that Dougbe Newton and Friday Newton were responsible for Sieh’s murder.
The 30-year sentences bring the court proceedings against the two convicted men to a conclusion, while the case involving David Y. Sieh remains unresolved following the hung jury.
