TUBMANBURG, Bomi – Judge Nancy Sammie of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court has found Jonathan Williams guilty of murdering Super FM journalist Tyron Brown.
The guilty verdict was bought down on Tuesday, March 17 after going through several court proceedings.
In her ruling, Sammie found Williams guilty of murder, a first-degree felony and agreed that the prosecution had proven its case beyond all reasonable doubts.
The judge further noted that the Brown frequently visited a niece of the defendant and was at Williams’ residence to pay another visit on the night when Brown was murdered.
Sentencing is expected to take place on Monday, March 23. The prosecution is seeking a life imprisonment sentence, although the defense, represented by Cllr. Jimmy Bombo, already promised to file an appeal of the judgment to the Supreme Court.
After the ruling, the Press Union of Liberia President Charles Coffey spoke to reporters to welcome the guilty verdict, describing it as a victory for the rule of law in Liberia.
“This is a relief for us journalists and will serve as deterrence for those that will be involved in taking the lives of journalists,†the Press Union boss said.
He called for the maximum sentence in accordance with the law, although he welcomed the appeal promised by the defense team, noting that Liberia is a country of laws.
On February 28, Williams had admitted in court that he stabbed the victim three times in a fight, but insisted it was in self-defense.
Brown was murdered on April 15, 2018 in a case that initially sparked concerns over the safety of journalists in the country. As investigations proceeded, it became apparent that there was no link between Brown’s murder and his work.
Featured photo by Jonathan Williams
