The Liberian government’s high-profile Capitol Building arson case faced a significant credibility challenge Wednesday when a key prosecution witness admitted that no forensic fingerprint testing was conducted on the items allegedly used to start the fire.
Rafael Wilson, a criminal investigator with the Liberia National Police (LNP), revealed during testimony before Criminal Court “A” that crucial evidence, including a Clorox bottle and a matchbox, was never subjected to fingerprint analysis. His admission contradicted prior assumptions about the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Prosecution’s Key Evidence Untested
Under rigorous cross-examination, Wilson acknowledged that investigators had made no attempt to extract fingerprints from the Clorox bottle or matchbox.
“The Clorox bottle and matchbox have raw surfaces. We could not conduct fingerprint testing. The forensic technician told us it was impossible,” Wilson testified.
Defense attorneys quickly seized on the revelation, arguing that the failure to perform basic forensic tests severely weakens any claim linking the accused to the alleged arson. They described the oversight as a serious investigative lapse, highlighting that fingerprint analysis is a standard practice in criminal and arson investigations globally.
Judge Intervenes During Questioning
When defense lawyers pressed Wilson on how the accused could be connected to the arson without forensic evidence, Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie interrupted, ruling that other evidence had been indicated by the witness.
Prosecutors Criticized for Late Evidence Submission
Earlier in the session, prosecutors attempted to introduce the LNP charge sheet and investigation report. The defense objected, noting that the documents had not been disclosed during discovery, calling the move “strange” and a potential procedural ambush.
Judge Willie admitted the documents but ordered that copies be provided to the defense for review.
Audio Recordings Ignite Courtroom Tensions
The case grew more contentious when prosecutors sought to admit certain audio recordings. Defense counsel objected, citing an incomplete chain of custody, missing production details, and the prosecution’s failure to account for the recordings’ origin.
Judge Willie overruled the objections, stating, “Admission does not mean truth. The jury determines credibility.”
Defense lawyer Cllr. Arthur Johnson sharply criticized the ruling, accusing the judge of partiality. “Your Honor, your ruling sounds as though you are arguing for the prosecution,” Johnson said. “Your duty is to rule, nothing more. Arguing the case before the jury violates the rules of court.”
The defense then moved to strike Wilson’s testimony about the audio recordings, contending that jurors had already heard the recordings, that Wilson lacked expert qualifications to interpret them, and that admitting the recordings amounted to hearsay.
Judge Willie again overruled, with Wilson confirming that the recordings were produced at LNP headquarters with assistance from the National Security Agency (NSA).
The revelations on Wednesday have cast new doubt on the government’s handling of the arson investigation, raising questions about whether the prosecution’s evidence will withstand intense scrutiny in court.
