By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – Bill Jallah, the man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Princess Zuo, and wounding his sister, has petitioned the First Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Assizes “A” for a plea bargain in a case that has drawn national attention.
Jallah, 38, was formally indicted by the Liberia National Police (LNP) on December 27, 2024, on charges of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault, following the violent incident that unfolded along Paynesville’s Duport Road. According to investigators, the tragic confrontation began on December 21, 2024, when Zuo arranged to meet Jallah at the entertainment center Fast Nikel, near Kool FM Radio Station, to address concerns about his behavior.
Eyewitnesses told police that the meeting quickly spiraled into a heated argument. Zuo allegedly confronted Jallah about grievances she had previously raised with his family. The situation intensified when Jallah questioned her whereabouts from the prior evening and accused her of ignoring him. Witnesses say that when Zuo attempted to leave, Jallah blocked her path before allegedly launching a fatal attack with a knife, stabbing her multiple times in the chest and abdomen.
Zuo was rushed to ELWA Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Jallah’s sister, Kormassa, who attempted to intervene during the altercation, was also stabbed and sustained injuries to her arm. She survived the attack and is currently recovering in a local hospital. Her testimony is expected to serve as critical evidence in the case.
Police investigators contend that Jallah arrived at the meeting armed with a knife, pointing to premeditation. However, Jallah disputes this claim, insisting that he only had meat skewers purchased at the entertainment venue. Despite his defense, law enforcement has maintained that eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence strongly implicate him.
On Monday, Jallah’s legal team, led by Atty. Abraham B. Mitchell, Atty. Balah H. Saywala, and Atty. Mkhari G. Tomah of Central Law Office, submitted a formal petition for plea bargaining. In the filing, Jallah argued that he has never before been convicted of a crime and is willing to accept responsibility under terms that the court may deem just and equitable. He stressed that the request was made in good faith and not intended to delay justice.
The petition now awaits consideration by Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court “A.” If the request is granted, it could significantly alter the course of the trial. Under Liberian law, murder carries the possibility of life imprisonment, while aggravated assault and attempted murder also carry heavy sentences.
