Call Log Shows Different Time Intervals In Arson Case, Raises Alibi Says Defense Lawyers
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia- Proceedings at the Criminal Court “A” on were on Monday marked by sharp contradictions in prosecution testimony concerning the arrest of Vehicle 98, the whereabouts of defendant Thomas Etheridge and forensic evidence linked to the December 2024 alleged arson at the Capitol Building.
When asked on December 15, 2025 where Vehicle 98 was arrested, a prosecution witness testified that the vehicle was at the Capitol Building and was later taken to the Liberia National Police (LNP)headquarters along with Thomas Etheridge and other defendants.
In late January this year, defendant Thomas Etheridge was turned over to the court with a writ of arrest, while Eric Susay was issued a police charge sheet due to opening up to the investigators on January 20, 2025, after the Supreme Court Justice ordered that Etheride be turned over to the court n an hour’s time. Capitol Building Fire Suspected Arsonists Sent To Prison – News Public Trust
On Monday, the witness further stated that the vehicle was initially found not to be linked to the accident but was later suspected of transporting individuals and materials allegedly used in the arson.
According to the testimony, Cllr. Massaquoi signed for the vehicle before it was taken to the LNP for further investigation.
Defense counsel objected, arguing that the question and response were prejudicial and created the impression that Vehicle 98 was used in committing the crime, despite no conclusive evidence to that effect.
Call Log Raises Alibi Defense
The defense introduced call-log evidence showing that Thomas Etheridge was at the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) in Waterside at 5:07 a.m. on December 18, 2024—the time the crime was allegedly committed. The call log further placed Etheridge at Capitol Bypass at 5:51 a.m. by then the building was on fire and later at the Capitol Building at 6:25 a.m.
Based on this evidence, defense lawyers asserted an alibi defense, arguing that Etheridge could not have been at the Capitol Building at the time of the alleged arson. The defense emphasized that an alibi demonstrates physical impossibility, thereby creating reasonable doubt.
Although the prosecution suggested that an expert witness would later testify on GPS and call-log analysis, the defense argued that the witness should explain the records since he had already testified about them. Despite objections, the court ordered the witness to answer.
He acknowledged that Etheridge call logs placed him at LEC at 5:07 a.m. and at Capitol Bypass at 5:51 a.m., adding that Etheridge was in communication with co-defendant Kevi Bai and others during that period.
Contradictions Over Forensic Evidence
Further contradictions emerged regarding the discovery of alleged arson materials. Under questioning, the witness testified that on the morning of December 18, 2024, an empty chloride bottle was found approximately 25 feet from where the Speaker’s vehicle was parked, while a box of matches was discovered on the second floor of the Capitol Building.
However, the defense pointed to the Special Investigative Report page four, paragraph five which states that the Liberia National Police forensic team lifted an empty chloride bottle from the ground around the William R. Tolbert Hall of the Capitol Building. The same report also confirms that a box of matches containing several sticks was found on the second floor of the joint chambers.
The report was signed by the same witness, Rafel Wilson, Assistant Commissioner of Police and head of the Crime Services Department. The report was formally read into evidence by the clerk of Criminal Court “A.”
Judge Notes Inconsistencies
In his remarks, the presiding judge stated that the prosecution witness was “not properly arranged,” citing contradictions between the witness’s testimony and the call-log evidence. The judge noted that while the witness claimed Ethride was at the Capitol Building around 5:00 a.m., the call logs placed him at LEC at 5:07 a.m., Capitol Bypass at 5:51 a.m., and the Capitol Building at 6:25 a.m.
The matter was adjourned as the court continues to hear evidence in the high-profile arson case.