Monrovia – Economist and political commentator Samuel Jackson has turned himself in to the Liberia National Police (LNP) as investigators probe the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Toni Jackson.
Mrs. Jackson died at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital following brain surgery after she was discovered unconscious at the couple’s home in Sinkor, Monrovia.
Police earlier declared Jackson a person of interest, citing reports of a deep laceration on the victim’s head and bruises observed on her body when officers responded to the incident.
The case drew additional public attention after Rufus S. Berry II, a Liberian based in the United States, claimed he contacted the Liberia National Police urging authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Jackson’s death, alleging that Jackson had a history of domestic violence against his late wife.
Jackson Defends Relationship
Speaking to reporters at his residence Saturday morning before surrendering to police, Jackson described his relationship with his wife as loving but acknowledged that disagreements are common in marriages.
“Don’t couples fight? Isn’t that routine, especially when you are in a deep love relationship where there is jealousy and all kinds of things?” Jackson said.
“We are like any normal loving couple where we go to extreme love, and sometimes extreme animosity. We are two human beings.”
When asked about the last disagreement between the couple, Jackson said it occurred more than two years ago.
“More than two years ago was the last time we had a fight. My wife and I were very close,” he said.
Claims Investigation Being Politicized
Jackson acknowledged that in cases involving the death of a spouse, it is common for the partner to become a person of interest. However, he accused the police of politicizing the matter after a large number of officers reportedly went to his residence.
“That is standard. The spouse is usually the primary suspect. But when I saw a group of police officers coming to my house, I felt they were politicizing it,” Jackson said.
“We need to allow them to do their job. I am against the process of bringing 10 to 20 armed men.”
Social Media Images Spark Outrage
Jackson also expressed frustration over images circulating on social media that he said show the body of his late wife.
“When I see on social media my wife’s naked picture, her dead body, pictures with the brain surgery marks and bruises on her with her eyes swollen, I have to provide evidence,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Jackson said he intends to fully cooperate with investigators as the police continue their probe into the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.
Emmanuel Weedee-Conway contributed to this story.
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