By Jacqueline Dennis
MONROVIA – The highly anticipated criminal trial of Lawrence Williams, the man accused of driving into a crowd of political celebrants in November 2023, resulting in multiple deaths, will no longer be held in Montserrado County.
Criminal Court “B” on Tuesday granted a motion filed by the defense to relocate the trial to Bomi County, citing concerns about heightened public sentiment and the risk of jury prejudice in Monrovia. The case will now be heard at the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Tubmanburg.
Presiding Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh ruled in favor of the defense, emphasizing the defendant’s constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial. The prosecution raised no objection to the motion and agreed to the venue change.
“The clerk of this court is hereby instructed to transfer all case files, records, and evidence to the receiving court without delay,” Judge Wesseh ordered during the hearing.
Charges and Allegations
Williams faces charges of Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder. He was indicted earlier this year by the Montserrado County Grand Jury following a tragic incident that occurred on November 20, 2023, along Broad Street in Central Monrovia.
According to police and eyewitness reports, Williams allegedly drove a grey Hyundai SUV into a jubilant crowd of Unity Party supporters celebrating the election victory of Joseph Boakai over then-incumbent George Weah in the 2023 presidential runoff.
Investigators say Williams had parked his vehicle nearby with the headlights turned off, remained inside for close to 30 minutes, and then accelerated directly into the crowd at high speed. Authorities have characterized the act as “intentional and calculated.”
Casualties and Legal Representation
The crash claimed the lives of three individuals—Peter Gray, Mariama Kromah, and Varney Suleiman—and left several others with critical injuries.
During his initial court appearance, Williams informed the judge that he was unable to afford legal representation. In response, Judge Wesseh appointed the Office of the Public Defender to represent him, in accordance with Section 2.21(4) of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia.
Next Steps
With the venue officially moved, all legal proceedings will continue in Bomi County, where the case is expected to draw continued public and media attention.
The Broad Street crash—widely viewed as one of the most shocking incidents following Liberia’s tense 2023 election season—has sparked ongoing debate around political violence, road safety, and mental health awareness in post-election Liberia.
