MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Following the tragic and mysterious death of Andrew Hill while in police custody at the Zone 6 Police Station on June 1, 2024, the deceased’s family, alongside social justice advocate Bishop Kortu K. Brown, is demanding accountability. The family seeks justice not only from the police officers involved but also from the two magistrates at the Clay Ashland Magisterial Court, whose decisions they believe directly contributed to Hill’s death.
Bishop Kortu Brown, a respected figure within the Brewerville community and an advocate for justice, voiced his concerns over the investigation report released by the Liberia National Police. While expressing gratitude for the report’s release after two months, Bishop Brown emphasized that critical clarifications remain unanswered. The Hill family, grappling with the sudden loss of their loved one, believes that justice has been delayed or denied.
Bishop Brown expressed disappointment with the lack of any statements from the two magistrates, Cllr. Augustine Togba and Associate Magistrate Benetta Y. Gedoe, who ordered Hill’s imprisonment despite knowing about his medical condition. His illness had been confirmed by a local clinic, yet the magistrates proceeded to detain him. Moreover, no recommendations were made to reprimand the magistrates involved, leaving the family feeling that their call for justice remains unmet, as the judiciary has failed to hold these individuals accountable.
The family is also concerned that the police officers charged with negligent homicide have not received penalties commensurate with the gravity of their actions. Bishop Brown stressed that the sanctions imposed on the officers were inadequate and insufficient to provide the justice the family seeks.
In an emotional plea, the family has requested a meeting with the government to seek closure and answers surrounding Hill’s untimely death. The family believes such a meeting would help them find some solace in their pursuit of justice.
The police investigative report, released on July 8, 2024, details the incident leading to Hill’s death. According to the report, on May 30, 2024, the Clay Ashland Magisterial Court ordered Hill’s detention for contempt of court. However, despite the intervention of his son, Abenego Hill, who informed the court of his father’s illness and ongoing medical treatment, Magistrate Benetta Gedoe dismissed their concerns and insisted on imprisoning Andrew Hill for his failure to execute a prior mandate issued by the court.
Hill’s health deteriorated rapidly while in detention. On June 1, 2024, he was rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The investigation conducted by the Professional Standards Department (PSD) of the Liberia National Police, under the directive of Inspector General Gregory Coleman, found that negligence by officers on duty played a significant role in Hill’s death. Despite these findings, the sanctions imposed on the officers have not satisfied the family’s call for justice.
The report outlines interviews with fellow detainees and court officials, who corroborated the mistreatment Hill endured. However, Bishop Brown and the Hill family continue to push for stronger actions and for those in positions of authority to take responsibility for their roles in this tragedy.
The family’s demand for a fair and transparent investigation, coupled with their desire for a meeting with government officials, underscores the need for reform in Liberia’s judicial and law enforcement systems. Bishop Brown has urged the government to address these grievances swiftly, stating that this case is not just about one family’s loss but about justice, human dignity, and accountability in society.
As the public awaits further developments, the Hill family’s pursuit of justice serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic challenges that continue to plague Liberia’s judicial process.
