By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA – The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County has sentenced Mary Giah to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of murdering her three grandchildren in a shocking incident that occurred in Mehnla Town, District #9, Nimba County.
Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolo handed down the verdict after the court concluded that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove beyond dispute that the defendant committed the crimes.
According to the indictment, Mary Giah intentionally and with malice aforethought used a knife and razor blade to kill three children during the late hours of February 21, 2026. The victims were identified as Alvina Tokpah, age two; Mewaseh Giah, age four; and Marvelous Zainsaye, age seven. Prosecutors argued that the killings demonstrated an extreme disregard for the value of human life.
When the indictment was initially read, Giah pleaded guilty to the charges. However, in accordance with Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, the court set aside the guilty plea and entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf to ensure that the prosecution presented evidence proving the allegations against her.
During the trial proceedings, the prosecution called two witnesses who testified to their direct knowledge of the incident. Their testimonies were supported by corroborating evidence that connected the defendant to the murders.
In her ruling, Judge Garlawolo cited Liberian Supreme Court precedent, emphasizing that prima facie evidence is sufficient to establish a fact unless it is successfully challenged or rebutted. The court noted that the prosecution’s witnesses directly linked Giah to the killings and that their testimonies remained uncontested.
The judge further observed that the defendant herself took the witness stand and admitted responsibility for the deaths of the three children. The court held that such an admission, coupled with the prosecution’s evidence, significantly strengthened the State’s case.
After reviewing all evidence and testimony presented during the trial, Judge Garlawolo concluded that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against the defendant. Consequently, the court adjudged Mary Giah guilty of murder and imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.
The ruling brings closure to one of the most disturbing criminal cases reported in Nimba County in recent years, involving the tragic deaths of three young children at the hands of their grandmother.
