GANTA, (LINA) – Jurors in a rape case that has lasted for nearly 12 months on Monday, December 9, handed down a unanimous guilty verdict against 77 year-old defendant, Josiah Karwon, at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquillie City, Nimba County.
The verdict came after the 15-man juror had listened to the trial proceedings and all evidences adduced in court during the case by both State prosecutors and defense lawyers.
Karwon, who was arrested in Bueh Town located in District 7, Nimba County on January 15 a day following the mysterious disappearance of 11 year-old Verolyn Luogon was indicted by the State on charges of kidnapping, raping and murdering his victim who reported went to wash clothes at a creek in the town on January 14.
Following the mysterious disappearance of little Verolyn, a 15-man juror was set up to examine the body and observed that the victim was raped, murdered and secretly buried in a shallow swamp by her assailant (s).
Meanwhile, defense lawyers have taken exception to the verdict handed against their client, but failed to file any motion for retrial, while the Judge during the final hearing on Monday, James N. Glayene, said the indictee will be sentenced on Friday, December 13.
For her part, the mother of the victim, Mamie Luogon has expressed joy over government’s effort in making sure that the case reached a logical conclusion.
She noted that the outcome of the case will go deep down in history and generations unborn will learn that justice can be served everyone, including the rich and poor.
Meanwhile, Madam Luogon is at the same time appealing to the government of Liberia to settle its obligation with Heaven Gate Funeral Home located in Saclepea where the remains of her daughter have spent almost a year now to allow the funeral home turn over the remains of their daughter for burial as the case is being concluded.
It can be recalled that on January 15 this year, Veroline Luogon decaying corpse was discovered in a swamp after she had gone missing a day earlier in Bueh Town, District #7, Nimba County.
Following the discovery, police in the area launched an investigation into the matter and later arrested and sent to court the 77 year-old man identified as Josiah Karwon for his involvement into the rape and murder of the minor.
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