By Precious D. Freeman
Prosecutors on Tuesday requested additional time to present a key piece of evidence, a cell phone allegedly linked to defendant Thomas Etheridge.
Prosecutors claimed the phone contains crucial WhatsApp messages tying Etheridge to the December 2024 Capitol Building arson, which they previously presented in transcript form.
Defense counsel challenged the admissibility of the printed transcripts, arguing that the best evidence would be the physical phone itself for verification.
The prosecution, acknowledging that this request diverged from standard legal practices, agreed to produce the phone in the interest of transparency and due process.
“Counsel says he requests a continuance in these proceedings to afford the prosecution time to satisfy the requirement of the defense that the phone from which the information contained on this printed copy was obtained, be produced before court,” the prosecution stated. “Although this is very different from our practice, the request is made in good faith to ensure due process is followed and not to circumvent justice.”
The defense raised no objection to the prosecution’s request but maintained that presenting the cell phone was essential to ensuring the integrity of the proceedings.
“Counsel for defendants does not object to the prosecution being allowed time to produce the telephone of defendant Thomas Etheridge so the court can determine the source of the WhatsApp messages sought to be admitted into evidence,” the defense noted.
“The defense believes that as between the printed text messages and the phone itself, the phone constitutes the best evidence.”
Monrovia City Court Magistrate Ben Barco granted the prosecution’s request, emphasizing that the decision was uncontested.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to allow prosecutors time to produce the phone.
“The prosecution’s application is granted, as there is no objection from the defense. Hence, the matter is adjourned,” Magistrate Barco ruled.
The upcoming hearing will focus on the production and examination of the phone and its contents, which could prove pivotal in determining Etheridge’s role in the alleged arson.
The case continues to attract public attention due to its potential implications for national security and political stability.
Observers note that the court’s decision to prioritize the best evidence principle underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for fairness in adjudicating the matter.
The outcome of Wednesday’s hearing will likely shape the trajectory of the high-profile trial.
