MONROVIA – At Criminal Court ‘A’ on Thursday, November 16, 2023, former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott vehemently rejected the government’s murder indictment against her and three family members, dismissing the charges as “pure evil” and “wicked lies.” Taking the witness stand for the first time since her trial began five months ago, Cllr. Scott, a licensed lawyer, accused individuals with a calculated agenda of attempting to destroy both her and her family.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
Cllr. Scott, known for her involvement in high-profile cases over the last three years, including notable legal battles like Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence versus Musa Bility and Lonestar GSM versus Orange Liberia GSM, recounted her professional achievements before addressing the charges against her.
She adamantly stated that her niece, Charloe, was murdered by an intruder, and the charges against her are baseless fabrications fueled by malicious intent. Justice Scott claimed that the government showed no interest in finding Charloe’s murderer but instead preconceived and premeditated charges against her from the very day of the murder.
Describing Charloe as a cherished family member known for her kindheartedness, respectfulness, and hardworking nature, Justice Scott emotionally reminisced about her as a child she had invested in and watched grow into a resourceful woman. Charloe was on track to become a college graduate before her violent murder on the night of February 22, 2023.
Despite being a licensed lawyer and a member of the Liberian National Bar Association in good standing, Cllr. Scott was denied the opportunity to represent herself in the ongoing case.
The trial, which began on Monday, August 28, 2023, saw Cllr. Scott and her family members entering their pleas at Criminal Court ‘A’ in the Temple of Justice. The special grand jury for Montserrado County found, under oath, that the defendants committed the crimes of murder, criminal conspiracy, and false reports to law enforcement officials.
According to the indictment, on February 22, 2023, at about 10:00 PM, the defendants armed themselves with a sharp instrument believed to be a knife and pepper spray. They allegedly inflicted several bodily injuries on Charloe Musu, leading to her death and violating the penal laws of Liberia.
Count two of the indictment detailed that on the night of February 22, 2023, security guards assigned to the home of co-defendant Scott heard cries coming from inside the house. Upon investigation, they found co-defendant Scott screaming for help, stating, “There are people in the house!” Charloe Musu, now deceased, was also found in the bathroom with co-defendant Newton.
The case is set to continue on Friday, November 17, 2023, with the State cross-examining the former Chief Justice. The trial has captivated the nation, with citizens