International Pathologists To Conduct Another Autopsy On Charloe Musu’s Remains
FLASHBACK: Cllr. Gloria Scott and the other defendants being whisked off to the Monrovia Central Prison
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
The scenario that was played up in the case of the late Angel Tokpah years ago regarding a second autopsy has resurfaced in the ongoing case of the killing of ex-Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott’s Daughter, Charloe Musu.
Charloe, who was about to graduate from the Starz University College, was allegedly murdered at the home of the former Chief Justice in Monrovia’s Brewerville suburb on February 22, 2023, after which an autopsy was conducted by the Liberian Pathologist Dr. Benedict Kolee.
But now, a second autopsy has been called for to be done by an International pathologist.
Cllr. Scott and three of her family members on Monday August 28,2023 pleaded not guilty to the crime charged thereby joining issue with the state. Ex-Chief Justice Gloria Scott, 3 Others Plead Not Guilty Of Murder On Monday – News Public Trust
Four International Medical Pathologist are expected in Liberia soon to conduct examination/autopsy on the remains of the late Charloe.
This decision was based on a Motion filed in the Criminal Court “A” by defense lawyers for the conduct of examination or autopsy on the remains of the late Charloe Mus,u in order to support the side case of the case.
At the beginning of this month, November, Dr. Benedict Bongolie Kolee, Chief Pathologist of Liberia, the prosecution’s 13th witness testified that the samples collected on the crime scene of the late Charloe Musa show that no males were implicated in the alleged crime that were committed. Samples Collected On Ex-Chief Justice Gloria Scott Daughter’s Murder Scene Exclude Males – News Public Trust
According to the defense, the team of Medical Practitioners and Forensic Investigators from the United States of America as, Dr. Matthias I. Okoye, M.D., M.Sc., J.D., F.R.C.P.I, F.C.L.M. (Pathologist), Dr. Cordelia C. Okoye, M.B., CH.B., B.A.O., L.R.C.P.I. & L.R.C.S.I., B.Sc. (Hons)(Medical Doctor), Dr. Cordelia N. Okoye, R.N., B.A., M.P.H., PH.D. (Registered Nurse) and Mr. Dale L. Williams Forensic Consultant & Forensic Investigator is expected in Country by early next week.
Defendant Gloria Musu Scott’s Lawyers furthered argued that copies of the examiners’ Licenses should be received from both the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) and the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery in compliance with the Law.
“We will appreciate were the court to kindly order both the Ministry of Justice and the Management of the Funeral Home (St. Moses) to create access to the Crime Scene and or avail the corpse to make the defense’s process easier and inexpensive,” former Chief Justice Scott said.
In response, one of counsels for prosecution says that prosecution interposes no objection to the submission made by defense on the records, only that, the cost of bringing extra medical personnel to conduct examination on the remains of the deceased in these proceedings should be borne by them (defense) and not by the Government of Liberia.
The court noted that the application made by the defense counsel which prosecution has interposed no objection but with a caveat that all expenses pertaining thereto will be borne by the Defendants.
The Court has granted the application “but, in view of the facts that the Court should take notice of historical facts, adding that the documents will be submitted to the LDMC for review or accreditation as it relates to the require qualifications of these medical practitioner so as to enable them free access to practice said examination in Liberia.”
The Court hereby mandates the defense team to submit the necessary documentation to the Court’s Clerk, which will subsequently be reviewed by the Judge and then forwarded to the Liberia Medical and Dental Council which has that responsibility to accredit those that are not from the Bailiwick of Liberia and that those information can be submitted as soon as possible to enable the LMDC submit to the Court its findings or recommendations.
Meanwhile, state prosecutors have rested argument in the case, with the production of both documentary and oral evidence with the right to bring rebuttal witnesses when the need arises.
Prosecutors produced eighteen witnesses during their production of witnesses. And the defendants, former Chief Justice Scott and three of her family members are expected to take the witness stand very soon.