The Government lawyer in the alleged murder case involving the former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott, and three other relatives, has withdrawn the Motion for Change of Venue filed before the Criminal Court “A” Judge, Roosevelt Willie.
“The Prosecution further most respectfully requests Your Honor to order the Clerk of Court to spread the aforesaid Notice of Withdrawal on the records of Court and submits,” the prosecution said.
The defendants, Gloria Musa Scott, Gertrude Newton, Rebecca Youdeh Wisner, and Alice Johnson, were indicted by the Special Grand Jury for Montserrado County, for the alleged crime of Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, and Making false statements to law enforcement officials.
It can be recalled that state prosecutors filed a motion for a Change of place/ venue, for the Court to grant the motion to transfer the trial to another jurisdiction, outside of Montserrado County.
Prosecution says that evidenced by conspicuous public sentiments, vis-a-vis and the constant discussion of the case on local Liberian radio stations, and if the case is heard within the jurisdiction of Montserrado County; there is the likelihood of local prejudice, public sentiments, and insecurity, which could hurt the trial proceedings.
According to the prosecution’s motion, during the hearing of the writ of Habeas Corpus, bystanders in the courtyard and some sympathizers in the court were murmuring about the case.
The prosecution indicated in their motion that spectators, including supporters of the defendants, and others, were in the courtyard discussing the merits of the case, as said acts are legally unacceptable and counter-productive to the conduct of an impartial trial.
The defendants were denied the right to bail at the Monrovia City Court on June 21, 2023, and when they were committed to jail for the first time at the Monrovia Central Prison, hundreds of unidentified people stormed the prison in an unusual and or irregular manner, a situation which is not healthy or conducive for both the named defendants and other inmates, including staff/prison guards.
