-But CSO Council calls for speedy probe.
Lucas Richard, the Executive Director of Administration at the Indigenous Mission TIM, Inc., a Creekside-supported missionary and an American national, has been charged with the commission of the crimes: CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER AND AGRAVATED ASSAULT in violation of chapter 10 and 14 respectively sections 10.1 and 1420, of the revised penal law of Liberia, pending trial by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In a Tuesday, September 19, 2023, ruling, Magistrate John L Griggs of the Bushrod Island Magisterial Court disclosed the court’s position, after Lucas Richard inflicted wounds on Jessica Lloyd, when he reportedly attempted to murder her.
“In view of the aforementioned, couple with the deep cup inflicted on the neck and back of the head of victim Jessica Lloyd, including the circumstances involved in this case, the investigation herewith charged defendant Lucas Richard with the commission of the crimes CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER AND AGRAVATED ASSAULT in violation of chapter 10 and 14respectively sections 10.1 and 1420 of the revised penal law of Liberia, pending trial by a court of competent jurisdiction.”
As established by the court, “Lucas Richard on September 14, 2023 visited the home of Jessica Lloyd family where he remained for some times before she went out.” According to the court, this was attested to by witness Ernest Philip who initially spotted defendant Richard perpetuating said actions before alarming for assistance.”
The Court findings revealed that Jessica Lioyd confirmed that she saw defendant Lucas Richard with a knife on Thursday. September 14. 2023 when they left her house and during the occasion when he took her to the bus pretending that he could be attack by a snake and at another point he had seen an animal in the bush which he wanted her to see but she refused to go closer to him because she herself was afraid.
“That, physical examination of the white land cruiser which defendant Lucas Richard was driving on Thursday, September 14, 2023 during his stay with victim Jessica Lloyd showed that there was no problem with any of the tires under the car and as such, the investigation wonders why defendant Lucas Richard continued to say there was problem on one of the tires for which he was trying to repair it.”
It continues, “That, neither witnesses Ernest Philip or AbdulaSheriff who firstly arrived on the scene are motorbilke riders as claimed by defendant Lucas Richard that it was a motorbike rider who hit victim Jessica Lioyd with motorbike but falsely accused him of wanting to kill Jessica Lloyd who he claimed he tried to assist.”
Furthermore, the court states, “That, defendant Lucas Richard denied being the one who inflicted wounds on victim Jessica Lloyd instead, he claimed it was a moving motorbike rider that hit the victim with his bike and subsequently raised alarm that he (defendant Richard) was the one trying to kill victim Jessica Lioyd. That defendant Lucas Richard knowingly, purposely and intentionally attempted to cause the death of victim Jessica Lloyd on Thursday.”
Earlier, the police charge sheet revealed, “Lucas K. Richard SEX: male, Age: 32 Tribe: American, Address: Duport Road. Paynesville. Date of Birth: December 8, 1990 Place of Birth: Louisana, USA Nationality: American Father’s
Name: Roger Richard Mother’s Name: Maxine Brumbaugh, Marital Status: Married _Height: S9 weight: 98kg Complexion: White, build: Average Eye Color: Bluc Hair Color: black Scar/Mark(s), Charge(s): Criminai Attempt to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault.P/M Place of Offence: Palm farm Community, Dixville, Date ofoffence: September 14, 2023 Date of Arrest: September 14, 2023, Arresting Officer: Rank: Cpl, Complainant: RL by and. thru victim Jessica Lloyd.
Accomplices: NIL Time of Offence: 3:00. DETAIL OF OFFENSE On September 14, 2023 at 4:00 P/M defendant Lucas K. Richard Who’s arrested, acquainted with his Constitutional rights, investigated and subsequently charged with the crime of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault in violation of Chapter 10; Section 10.1, Chapter 14 for knowingly, purposely and intentionally attempting to cause the death of victim Jesslca Lloyd by hitting her on the head with a heavy or blunt object which caused her to go unconscious, and subsequently used a sharp objet (knife) to slash the throat of victim Jessica Lloyd in an attempt to Kill her.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society of Liberia (NCSCL), which is the apex body of all civil society organizations in the country, is calling for the swift intervention of the religious community, most specifically the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) as well as speedy investigation into the act by the Liberian government.
