By Jacqueline Dennis
MONROVIA – The trial of Lawrence K. Williams, the man accused of carrying out a deadly vehicle attack during the 2023 Unity Party post-election celebrations, officially opened Tuesday, September 9, at Criminal Court “B” at the Temple of Justice.
Making his first court appearance, Williams informed Presiding Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh that he is indigent and unable to afford legal representation. In response, Judge Wesseh appointed the Office of the Public Defender to represent him.
Citing Section 2.21(4) of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia, the judge reaffirmed the defendant’s constitutional right to legal counsel in cases under Circuit Court jurisdiction. He also ordered the prosecution to immediately hand over all relevant case files and evidence to the defense to ensure a fair and timely trial.
The case is set to resume on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Williams was indicted earlier this year by the Montserrado County Grand Jury on multiple charges, including Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder.
The charges stem from a tragic incident on November 20, 2023, when Williams allegedly drove a grey Hyundai SUV into a crowd of Unity Party supporters celebrating on Broad Street, Monrovia. The attack claimed the lives of three people and left several others injured.
According to police investigations, Williams parked near the crowd, switched off his headlights, and remained inside the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes before allegedly accelerating into the gathering at high speed. Investigators described the act as deliberate and calculated.
The victims of the attack were identified as Peter Gray, Mariama Kromah, and Varney Suleiman.
