The murder trial of Francis Nana, the taxi driver, who allegedly killed the police officer at the Vai Town checkpoint, has begun at Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice with the defendant pleading not guilty.
During Monday’s (March 23) hearing, defendant Nana, following the reading of the indictment, pleaded not guilty to charges linked to the death of officer Mark D. Bracewell.
Jury selection in the case was expected to continue on Wednesday, (Yesterday, March 25), with six additional jurors anticipated to be selected.
Earlier on Monday, Judge Willie denied a motion filed by the defense seeking a change of venue.
In support of their argument, defense Attorney Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo, I, cited a similar request about media influence, and claims that Montserrado County was “polluted.”
However, the prosecution opposed the motion, maintaining that the incident occurred within the county, and should therefore, be tried there.
Prosecutors further said, the case involves the alleged killing of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty.
In his ruling, Judge Willie stated that the defense had failed to present sufficient grounds to justify transferring the case to another county.
The case arises from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of September 29, 2025, at a security checkpoint near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge in Monrovia.
According to police reports, officers were conducting routine inspections when Nana, driving a yellow Nissan Almera, allegedly refused to stop and accelerated toward the checkpoint.
Investigators say Patrolman Bracewell attempted to block the vehicle when he climbed onto its hood during the confrontation.
Nana allegedly continued driving at high speed before striking a concrete barrier, resulting in fatal injuries to the officer.
Following the incident, Nana reportedly abandoned the vehicle, and attempted to flee, but was apprehended by private security guards, identified as Joseph Doe and Amos Kumeh.
During police questioning, Nana claimed he panicked and was unaware that the officer remained in the vehicle.
He also suggested ‘brake failure;’ however, a subsequent mechanical inspection determined that the vehicle’s braking system was fully functional.
Source: Melvin Jackson/SPOON TV