Monrovia – A medical doctor at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center (JFK) has testified that no medical examination was conducted to determine the cause of death in the Valentine Johnson.
Valentine Johnson is believed to have died from a stray bullet from an agent of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) Patrick Kollie who has testified before the court that he never saw the deceased in sight when he pulled out his weapon to scare off some men whom he assumed to be robbers on the fateful night the killing occurred.
By: Willie N. Tokpah
Dr. Joseph N. Siaway of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center noted that he did not conduct any test to confirm how the death occurred or show the cause of death, because there was no heartbeat, and the victim was dead upon arrival.
“On July 4, 2022, upon receiving the patient as per my examination report, this patient had no sign of life, there was no pulse, no heartbeat, no respiratory rate, and his pupils were dilated and thick and I pronounced him dead before arrival and issued a certificate,” Dr. Siaway testifies to the court.
However, he noted that when he saw the body, there was blood and a wound on the victim’s left front parietal area and another at his oxittipus area, at the back of his head.
Following the witness’ testimony and his subsequent retirement front the stands, the Prosecution also requested the court to release the body of the deceased to the family for burial, on grounds that they are undergoing intensive cost in keeping the body at the Samuel A. Stryker Funeral Parlour and that it is their right.
Defense Lawyers interposed no objection, but the state request was denied by Judge Roosevelt Willie on grounds that even though it is the right of the prosecution to do so, following consultation with both the prosecution and defense team, the body should be kept until the defense present their evidence.
The prosecution had, however, rested with the production of witnesses, but with the need to provide a rebuttal witness if so desired.
Following the government lawyers’ position, one of the Defense Lawyers, Cllr. Richard Scott, prayed for continuance in the proceeding for Friday, December 9, to decide whether the defense should introduce evidence as to the manner and order of the process, in line with their duty to provide adequate representation in the case.
Court “A” Judge, Roosevelt Willie, therefore suspended the proceeding to be continued on Friday, December 9 at 10:00 am, as prayed for by the defense.