The Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “B,” Nelson B. Chineh, has denied Defendant Lucas Richard who is also an American Missionary from going out of the country on medical Leaves.
Judge Chineh on the side of the Prosecution, prayed to deny the American Missionary from leaving the country because the possibility is that he will not come back to Liberia for his case.
He hereby denied the American Missionary from leaving the country until the case is over. Judge Chineh indicated that the American Missionary lawyers did not bring any medical report to move the court to grant their client (Richard) a medical Leaves out of the jurisdiction of the court and it is thereby denied. Also, in the case involving Jessica Lloyd and the American Missionary boyfriend, his lawyers prayed the court for medical Leaves. The American Missionary’s lawyers pleaded with the Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “B” Nelson B. Chineh, through a motion filed to grant their client Richard to attend a medical treatment. In resistance, the Prosecution said the defendant lawyers motion filed before the court does not have any medical statement attached on the records. Later, the Prosecution received a notice of withdrawal of the motion by the defendant lawyers accompany to be amended motion, although not captioned. The Prosecution stated that in the interest of justice in the case that involved grave crime under Liberia law, they need time to study the amended motion filed by defendant lawyers that is in the mind of them (Prosecution) will do justice in the case. However, Judge Chineh said the Prosecution application for continuance to which the defendant lawyers interpose no objection should be and same is hereby granted. Judge Chineh indicated that this matter for continuance until February 28, 2024, is granted unto the Prosecution all relief that the court will consider just and legal. Accordingly, the records in the case file revealed that the notice of withdrawal has been filed praying court for the withdrawal of said motion which was filed on February 21, 2024. The records further showed that an amended motion was filed on February 27, 2024, just minutes to the hearing of the previous motion which has been withdrawn. Accordingly, the mother of Jessica Llyod, Madam Cynthia Llyod, has called on the international justice institutions and the United States of America to come to her aid following an attempted murder of her daughter by an American citizen, Lucas K. Richard in September 2023, who has reportedly being freed by a court in Monrovia. Madam Llyod spoke on social media in tears, noting that she has lost hope in the Liberian judiciary system after being asked by lawyers to sign a court document in order to receive UDS$20,000.00 to allow her abandon the case involving her daughter and her alleged husband. Lucas K. Richard was accused of attempting to kill his Liberian wife He was charged and forwarded to the Bushrod Island Magisterial Court for trial on Sep 20, 2023. Richard was charged with Criminal Attempt to commit Murder and Aggravated Assault by the Liberia National Police (LNP). According to court documents, on September 14, at 4:00PM, Defendant Richard was arrested, acquainted with his constitutional rights, investigated and subsequently charged with the crime of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault in violation of Chapter 10; Section 10.1, Chapter 14 for knowingly, purposely and intentionally attempting to cause the death of victim Jessica Lloyd. The documents claimed that Defendant Richard hit the victim on the head with a heavy or blunt object which caused her to go unconscious, and subsequently used a sharp object (knife) to slash the throat of his victim in an attempt to kill her. The documents also quoted the victim that she and the defendant got onboard a white land cruiser bearing plate number A62650 on September 14. According to her, during the ride, Defendant Richard took the route leading towards Barnesville and onward to the Kebah Community, before going towards Dixville Community using the main streets. It can be re-called that Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has released on bail an American who recently attempted to kill a young Liberian girl. The court had earlier denied the suspect a criminal appearance bail bond based on the absence of human sureties along with necessary documents. The Judge on Thursday, October, 13, 2023 ruled that defendant Lucas Richards’ bail bond will not be granted until all his requirements are met which should include three human sureties, a Liberian with eminence besides his bond that will stand for him. Judge Willie stated that the homes of human sureties will be visited by court sheriffs to know whether they are the owners of the property and bring recent photos of where they work. Judge Willie adjudged that defendant Richards should surrender his passport and all travelling documents to the court that a Ne-Exit-Republica Writ will be issued to the Liberia Immigration Services wherein they will be commanded that the defendant will not depart Liberia while the trial is being mitigated. According to him, once the defendant is qualified by producing the necessary requirements, he will be granted bail and required to sign twice a week (Monday and Thursday) in the attendance book of the court. The Judge said failure for Defendant Richards to report on one of these days, he will be arrested and incarcerated at the Monrovia Central Prison until the case is concluded. “Let it also be stated that bail bond will not be granted to the defendant until all of these conditions are met by him. The court having said that, these proceedings are hereby concluded forthwith and as stated, a bail bond will not be granted to the defendant/movant until all these requirements are met,” Judge Willie maintained.
Comments are closed.