Man Charged with Murder After Dispute Over Palm Wine Container Turns Deadly

Authorities in Monrovia have arrested and charged a 43-year-old man, Francis Koiyan, for the brutal murder of his girlfriend during an argument that reportedly stemmed from a missing palm wine container.

According to police charge sheets, Koiyan—residing in Zeor’s Town, Mambahn District, Lower Margibi County—was apprehended in Louisiana Township, Montserrado County, on March 27, 2025, following a weeks-long manhunt. He now faces charges of Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The incident occurred on February 6, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m., when the victim, 42-year-old Hannah Karto, went into the bush to purchase palm wine. Koiyan allegedly accused her of hiding his container and insisted on accompanying her. Investigators say he followed her into the bush and violently assaulted her, leading to her collapse.

Police allege that Koiyan tied Karto’s hands with her own “lapper” and forced her head into her undergarment before abandoning her in the forest. Nearby market women, having heard the victim’s cries, alerted community members. Karto was later discovered unconscious and bloodied.

Despite immediate notification to authorities, Koiyan had fled the scene. He was later captured after a community tip-off.

A forensic examination conducted at the T. Wah Bedell Funeral Home confirmed that Karto sustained a severe head injury and multiple bruises. Her body was later turned over to her family for burial.

During interrogation, Koiyan confessed to the killing, claiming he was provoked during the dispute. However, police determined the act to be deliberate and “heartless,” according to witness accounts.

The Crimes Against Person Unit (CAPU) recommended charges under Chapter 14, Subchapters A & B, Sections 14.1 and 14.20 of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. Koiyan was arraigned before the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice and has been remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial.