In Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, a 16-year old Melvin James has lost his life.
For that reason, the Grand Bassa County Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) has forwarded to court, a 35-year-old, Mrs. Welly Diggs for ‘negligent homicide.’
Madam Diggs lives in the Gorzohn Community, but she is being charged in connection with the death of 16-year-old Melvin James.
Fasu Sheriff of the LNP said, the incident stemmed from an event that occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Gorzohn Community.
Police say Mrs. Diggs had earlier seized a football belonging to Melvin James, and his friends after the ball reportedly entered her yard.
After keeping the football for about two weeks, she allegedly instructed the children to climb a plum tree, and pick plums before she would return the ball to them.
Police further disclosed that while carrying out the task, “Melvin fell and sustained injuries.”
Investigators say the suspect later instructed Melvin and his younger brother (not named) not to inform their parents about the incident, and she also failed to notify the family herself.
Police in its report said, Melvin’s condition worsened on Sunday morning, May 24, 2026, prompting his family to rush him to the Liberian Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The victim’s father, Lawrence T. Davis, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Davis said, he had established strict law in his household against his children climbing trees, making the circumstances surrounding his son’s death even more shocking to him.
He said, his son never informed him about the fall, but instead, complained of severe stomach pain from which, he began displaying unusual behavior.
Concerned about his worsening condition, the family sought medical attention, but doctors later confirmed his death after examination.
Meanwhile, Madam Diggs has expressed regret over the incident, and appealed to the bereaved family to forgive her, saying: “I am deeply sorry for what had happened, and that I did not inform them because I was terrified.”
LNP Crime Services Division has formally charged Mrs. Diggs with ‘negligent homicide’ and transferred the case to the Buchanan Magisterial Court for trial.
Source: Darius Zoryea /Ablee-Jay TV