By Alexander Redd, Th.D.
December 20, 2023
It is disheartening to read the conflicting reports from pathologists in the Liberian Daily Observer Newspaper and other media outfits concerning the murder of Charloe Musu in Liberia. Pathologists Dr. Benedict Kolee and Dr. Matthias Okoye have different ideas about who might have attacked Charloe. This has caused confusion and uncertainty, and justice cries aloud in the streets.
Dr. Kolee believes that it is impossible to determine the gender of the person who attacked Charloe because there is a risk of DNA contamination. He emphasizes that many people had contact with Charloe’s body, which could have caused the transfer of DNA. Dr. Kolee wants to make it clear that he did not personally perform the autopsy on Charloe.
Instead, it was done by a police pathologist. Dr. Kolee believes that the contamination of DNA occurred because some people who handled Charloe’s body did not use proper protective equipment. Because of this contamination, it is impossible to determine whether the DNA collected from the dead body and crime scene belongs to a man or a woman killer.
The conflicting stances between the two pathologists raise several vital inquiries that must be addressed to ascertain the identity of the culprit and address any potential conspiracy to conceal evidence:
- It is imperative to ascertain the identities of those who came into contact with the deceased’s remains and may have transferred DNA from the crime scene.
- The procedural standards and methodologies for collecting DNA from the crime scene must be scrutinized.
- The identity of the police pathologist who initially determined the gender of the killer as female must be divulged.
It is also important to understand why the police pathologist did not initially recognize the possibility of DNA contamination following the collection, transfer, and methods of interpretation.
Moreover, why did Dr. Kolee, who did not personally conduct any DNA testing, accept and endorse the police pathologist’s report without initially scrutinizing the standard DNA transfer procedures?
On the other hand, Dr. Okoye, an expert in DNA testing, staunchly asserts that his examination indicates the presence of male DNA, contradicting the government’s previous assertion of a female killer. He conducted tests on various items from the residence of the accused, Counselor Gloria Scott, and discovered bloodstains that matched the DNA profile of a male. This introduces a new dimension to the case and raises the possibility of identifying the killer and potential accomplices.
The defendants’ involvement, including Counselor Gloria Scott, engenders even more inquiries as the trial progresses. Dr. Kolee’s prior analysis of the bloodstains, based on the police pathologist’s report, indicated a DNA profile consistent with a female. However, as the trial unfolds, additional testimonies from witnesses are anticipated to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder.
The caveat in this entire case lies in Dr. Kolee’s initial assertion and subsequent change in statement. His half-hearted declaration bolstered the Liberian government’s efforts to accuse, charge, arrest, and incarcerate Counselor Gloria Scott. The burden of proof now rests on the Liberian government due to the police pathologist’s erroneous report that implicated a female as the killer.
It is important to note that the government’s pathologist, Dr. Kolee, made initial errors when he received the reports from the police pathologist. Dr. Kolee revised his statement, asserting that the DNA evidence collected and transferred from the crime scene was contaminated. This revelation renders it impossible to determine the identity of the killer definitively. Moreover, it provides apparent evidence that the killer is not female.
On the other hand, Dr. Okoye’s meticulous and comprehensive report offers hope in identifying the killer and potential accomplices. His findings appear more plausible, compelling, and logical to accept. Further investigation and analysis are warranted to ascertain the truth and bring justice to Charloe Musu and her family.
The pathologists cannot agree on whether Charloe Musu’s killer was a man or a woman, and it’s causing a big problem. Dr. Kolee says the DNA was contaminated, but Dr. Okoye says it’s male DNA. The trial is ongoing, and it’s really important to find the truth and ensure the decision is fair and unbiased.
The conflicting opinions underscore the need for a thorough investigation and examination of all the evidence to establish the identity of the killer and potential accomplices.
Dr. Alexander Redd is a former Liberian journalist, founding member of ALJA, and currently pastor of Gracious Hope Bible Fellowship. Write: info@gracioushopefellowship.com
