By staff writer
The ongoing murder trial of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott came to a prematurely halt on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 after the Supreme Court Chamber-Justice Her Honor Jamestta H. Wolokolie cited the parties involve into the case for conference based on a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by the former Chief Justice’s lawyer.
The conference is expected to take place on Friday, September 8, 2023 at the hour of 12:00 noon, in connection with the case.
“By directive of Her Honor Jamestta H. Wolokolie, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are by cited to a conference with Her Honor on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the hour of 12:00 noon, in connection with the above captioned case,” the mandate from the Chamber-Justice reads.
The mandate from the Supreme Court’s Chamber-Justice date Monday, September 4, 2023, carries the name of His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Judge, 1st Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Assizes “A”, Montserrado County as 1st Respondent. While, the Republic of Liberia by and thru Ministry of Justice and all those acting under its control and authority as 2nd Respondent.
The petitioners in their motion filed with High Court’s Chamber-Justice said a petition for a writ of certiorari will lie to review and correct the error made by the Judge.
Petitioners says, on August 28, 2023, they asked Criminal Court “A” for the opportunity to visit the crime scene, and also conduct an autopsy on the body of the deceased.
Subsequently, the request was resisted by the Republic of Liberia on ground that the application was filed prematurely.
On the same date as mentioned hereinabove, the court ruled as follows: “this court says that the motion filed is indeed premature, because the first thing to determine is whether it is this court that will hear this matter, or this matter will be transferred to another court, it is before that court that the motion can be filed, or whether it is true that it is this court or that court that will determine the authenticity. Having said this, the motion as filed by the defendant is hereby denied….”
Petitioners say on August 31, 2023, they filed a motion to have the Judge rescind his decision made on the Bill of Information denying the defendants’ motion.
On September 1, 2023, during the court sitting, petitioners brought to the attention of the court that it is now timely since the case is being heard by the court, and as such, defendants request to be granted as a matter of Justice. However, the said request was outrightly denied by the court.
The petitioners contend that denial of their request by His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, deprives defendants of the opportunity of adequate representation, and the right to proper preparation of defense in the murder proceeding.
“Wherefore and view of the foregoing facts and circumstances, petitioners pray your honor and this honourable court for the issuance of the writ of certiorari directing the respondents to grant the application to have petitioners’ counsels access to the crime and to conduct an independent autopsy as to prepare it’s defense,” the petitioners noted.