By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court has ruled in favor of the state in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case involving defendants Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
In his ruling, Magistrate Barco stated, “It is the holding of this Court that the Prosecution has established a prima facie case, such that the Defendants can be held to answer further to the crimes as charged.” This decision paves the way for the case to proceed to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” for further adjudication.
The Charges and Allegations
The defendants are accused of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to set fire to the Capitol Building, causing an estimated $8 million in damages. According to the prosecution’s first witness, Etheridge and Sasay allegedly purchased gasoline, which they used to ignite the blaze. The fire disrupted legislative sessions in the Joint Chambers, forcing lawmakers to look for another venue while the main chamber remains untouched.
In addition to the arson charges, the defendants are accused of assaulting a police officer during the incident. The officer was reportedly left unconscious, and his firearm was stolen. The Court says the prosecution presented corroborative testimonies from three witnesses, who detailed how the defendants and their co-conspirators gained access to the Capitol Building with the intent to disrupt the legislative proceedings.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution bolstered its case with evidence collected from the crime scene, including electronic devices allegedly linked to the defendants. Magistrate Barco noted in his ruling that “unless these species of evidence are properly rebutted, they stand tall as factual.” This evidence played a critical role in establishing the prima facie case against the defendants.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Following the ruling, Magistrate Barco ordered the clerk of court to transfer the case records and the defendants to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” for further proceedings. The case will now enter the trial phase, where the defendants will have the opportunity to present their defense against the charges.
