Liberia: Police Name Economist Sam Jackson ‘Person of Interest’ in Wife’s Death - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – The Liberia National Police says it has launched an investigation into the death of the wife of Liberian economist Samuel Jackson, naming him a “person of interest” in what authorities describe as an alleged homicide case.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

Police Spokesman Sam Collins disclosed that preliminary observations revealed a deep wound on the head of the deceased along with bruises on other parts of her body.

“A very deep laceration was seen on the head of the deceased. We also observed what appear to be bruises on the body,” Collins said.

Collins added that investigators were also informed that there was blood at the scene of the incident.

“Mr. Sam Jackson is a person of interest. This is an alleged homicide investigation, and the police will remain deployed at his home,” he stated.

According to Collins, Jackson initially agreed to cooperate with investigators. He said the body was viewed at the hospital’s mortuary by the police, the Montserrado County Coroner, representatives of Jackson, and officials from the South African Embassy, who all observed the deep wound to the head and bruises on the body.

Police also requested permission to search Jackson’s residence and asked that he make himself available for questioning. Collins said Jackson initially agreed but requested time to rest, noting that he had not slept for about 30 hours. He reportedly indicated he would report to the police on Saturday and also consented to officers inspecting his home.

However, Collins said Jackson’s position later changed when officers arrived at his residence.

“He refused to allow them into the house on grounds that they did not have a search warrant and quickly exhibited what we considered a hostile posture,” Collins said.

The police spokesman added that the best course of action for Jackson is to make himself available to investigators and cooperate fully with the ongoing probe.

Jackson has maintained his innocence.

Jackson Recounts Moments Leading to Wife’s Death

Earlier Friday, Jackson recounted the events leading to the death of his wife during an interview at his residence.

Jackson said his wife had suffered a seizure earlier in the week and was resting at home while he left to host a radio program.

According to him, he departed his home around 8:20 a.m. on Thursday but later called a household worker around 10 a.m., instructing him to check on her condition.

Jackson said he returned about 20 minutes later and discovered his wife lying near the edge of the bed in a pool of blood.

“I came into the room and saw my wife lying on the edge of the bed in a pool of blood, semi-conscious or unconscious,” he said.

He added that household staff assisted in rushing her to a hospital, where doctors later determined she had sustained a brain injury believed to have resulted from a fall.

Jackson also complained about the difficulty in securing an ambulance during the emergency.