Alleged Sexual Abuse Case Has Taken A Dramatic, Troubling Turn
PHOTO: The 43-year-old suspect James Doe
By Emmanuel Koffa
Buah Worpluken, Grand Kru, Liberia— An alleged sexual abuse case in here has taken a troubling turn, after the prime suspect was found hanging unconscious inside a police cell, shifting public attention from the accusation itself to the safety and management of suspects in custody.
The suspect, 43-year-old James Doe, was arrested by the Community Watch Forum (CWF) following allegations that he sexually abused a 50-year-old woman, while she was under the influence of alcohol.
Both individuals are from the Grebo ethnic group and residents of the community.
According to Police preliminary findings, officers from the Liberia National Police (LNP), led by Inspector Darpoe G. Karweah, responded after the suspect was restrained by community members. Police said the victim’s 22-year-old son, Jackson Doe, alleged that he interrupted the incident and raised an alarm that led to the arrest.
James Doe reportedly denied the accusation after being informed of his rights.
Police instructed the victim’s family to seek immediate medical attention for her, but before further procedural steps could be completed, officers discovered the suspect hanging from the window of the holding cell, with his shirt tied around his neck in an apparent suicide attempt.
The suspect was rescued and received medical attention, police confirmed.
The incident has sparked concern within the community over custodial care, particularly regarding the monitoring of detainees, mental health assessment of suspects, and adherence to detention safety standards.
Local residents have also expressed concern that the dramatic development could complicate the sexual abuse investigation, especially as medical and forensic processes are critical in such cases.
The Liberia National Police has announced that parallel investigations are underway—one into the alleged sexual abuse and another into the circumstances that allowed the incident to occur while the suspect was in custody.
Local authorities have called on the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigators work to establish facts surrounding both matters.