MONROVIA – It has been three years since the tragic death of Odell Sherman, a 21-year-old student of the Harriet Bailey United Methodist School. On May 21, 2019, Rev. Emmanuel Giddings allegedly found Odell unconscious in an unfinished building and rushed her to ELWA Hospital under an assumed name, despite owning the building and having prior contact with her.
Following her death, a post-mortem examination by Dr. Mitchell revealed that Odell died from “Blunt Force Trauma of the Head,” raising suspicions of foul play. Despite this, the police have not made progress in uncovering the truth behind her death, leading to growing frustration and questions from the public.
In a memorial press statement on Thursday, May 26, 2022, students of the Harriet Bailey United Methodist School expressed their dismay over the lack of progress in the investigation. They questioned the circumstances leading to Odell’s death, such as how a healthy young woman could sustain such severe injuries and why she was at the unfinished building alone at midnight.
The statement also highlighted concerns about the conduct of Rev. Giddings, who registered Odell under an assumed name at the hospital. The students called for a reopening of the investigation, citing Article 11(c) of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.
The students emphasized the need for justice not only for Odell but also for the many other young women and girls in Liberia who have allegedly been murdered without accountability. They called on the Government of Liberia to take action and ensure that all citizens are treated equally before the law.
“We demand answers and timely actions from this government, respecting the Constitutional rights guaranteeing all persons, including girls and young women,” the statement concluded.
As the anniversary of Odell’s death passes, the call for justice grows louder, with many hoping that the government will finally take action to bring closure to this tragic case.
