June 3, 2021
By: Audrey John
Cross section of the twelve men jury that were swore to hear and give unanimous verdict on the murder matter between Abie Bola Lionel Jones and Gifty Jones against the state were terrified when they were shown photos of the deceased Sholade Jones when the pathologist was performing post mortem.
Both accused persons are before High Court Judge, Justice Ivan Ansumana Sesay for proper trial on one count charge of murder.
Shortly after the matter was mentioned on the 2nd June,2021 for further hearings, the scene of crime officer, Mohammed Koroma attached to the cyber unit at the Criminal Investigation Department Pademba Road said on the 7th of May 2017, he was on duty when Detective Police Constable Obie Wilfred Koroma informed him about a murder crime scene at Hastings Village.
He said he was in the company of other officers who visited the scene and on arrival, he examined the scene and took photographs of the remains with his Nikon Camera after which the body was conveyed to the Connaught hospital mortuary for post mortem examination.
Explaining further, the fourth prosecution witness said on the 9th of May 2017, in the presence of two relatives of the deceased, he witnessed the autopsy conducted by the former government pathologist and forensic scientist, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, where he took other photos before the body was handed over to the relatives for proper burial.
The photos were produced and tendered in court as exhibit G one to seven.
The photos were later shown to the jury for observation, and during the process some of them were terrified and turn their faces.
The adjudicating judge, Ivan Ansumana encouraged them to look at the photos because they have to give verdict as to whether the accused persons are guilty of the charge they are before the court for.
Earlier, defence Counsel Cecilia Tucker cross examined the third witness, Detective Police Constable Obie Wilfred Koroma who told the court that he was among other officers who obtained voluntary cautioned statements from the accused persons and visited the crime scene.
Detective Police Constable Obie Wilfred Koroma further told the court in cross examination that before the alleged incident, the deceased made a report of assault at the Family Support Unit Hasting Police Station against one Nathaniel Williams who is on the run.
The matter was adjourned to the 9th of June for the state to take the remaining witnesses.