PHOTO: (L-R) Sam Jackson and his late wife from South Africa and LNP Spokesman Sam Collins
By K. Ericson Sayee, Contributing Writer
Monrovia-The Liberia National Police says it has launched investigation into the demise of Tonia Jackson who was married to Liberian Economist Samuel Jackson, as its initial probe discovered bruises and laceration on deceased, which the Police says it warrants further investigation.
Police Spokesman Sam Collins, speaking to press on Friday, March 13, 2026, unveiled upon receipt of intelligence about the passing of Mr. Jackson’s wife, that the police speedily intervened to investigate what caused the death of the South African national, whose demise was pronounced on Friday, March 13, 2026 by her husband, Samuel Jackson.
Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) Collins informed the public that the Liberia National Police contacted the husband of the deceased, which at first, he accepted the presence of the police officers at his home. But he said upon the arrival of the officers dispatched, Mr. Jackson resisted and refused to cooperate with the police for investigation. He then announced that based on what the LNP has ascertained, Samuel Jackson is pronounced as person of interest.
The mouthpiece of the Liberia National Police revealed that while carrying out its investigation, the police discovered a “very deep laceration” on the head of the deceased, along with bruises on her body, and that Jackson mentioned finding blood at the scene, warranting a serious homicide investigation.
He says forensic assessments and a formal autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Mrs. Jackson’s death. Collins urges the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed independently.
He says the police will remain deploy at Jackson’s residence and identified him as a “person of interest,” urging him to cooperate with the investigation.
Jackson was counterintuitive to the deployment of police at his premises as he heard screaming at the Liberia National Police, accusing the Inspector General of Police -Gregory Coleman of deploying what he called “gestapos” at home without his knowledge.
He then expressed to the police at his home: “I am ready to go to jail. Y’all come and take me. I already have my toothbrush in my pocket”.
Liberian economist and political analyst Samuel Jackson announced the death of his South African wife on March 13, 2026, following a medical emergency. Jackson reported on social media that his wife collapsed and was taken to St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, expressing frustration over the lack of available ambulances.
However, hours after his initial plea, Jackson confirmed his wife’s death, stating he had said his final goodbye. Since his pronouncement of the death of his wife, it has sparked significant attention in Liberia, with many expressing sympathy for the couple, who were well-regarded in the community.
But as accusations began pointing to Jackson accusing him of domestic violence, which may have been the cause of his wife’s death, there has been a widespread outrage and calls from the citizenry, including some notable people in the Liberian society, for investigation, with many questioning the circumstances leading Mrs. Jackson’s passing.
Notable figures, including Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe and women’s rights advocate Cllr. Moriah Yeakula, have demanded a thorough investigation.
Cllr. Yeakula said that Mr. Jackson needs to answer questions about the death of his wife. For Senator Snowe who initially conveyed his condolences to Mr. Jackson, he then called for a thorough investigation.