Untrained LDEA Firearm Carrier Jailed for Alleged Involvement in Girlfriend’s Death in Logan Town
The arrest of defendant Joefula transpired on August 23, 2023, at his residence in Logan Town’s Zinc Camp area, after the purported killing of his girlfriend, Jonnete Smallwood.
Reportedly, the incident took place on August 21, when defendant Joefula, a resident of Logan Town, unintentionally discharged a single-barrel shotgun, resulting in the tragic death of Jonnete Smallwood.
Police investigations revealed that on that particular evening, defendant Joefula sought out his friend Moses Sumo, who was accompanied by his spouse, Mama Weah, at their usual gathering spot within the Zinc Camp Community. This location was where they often convened after their work hours. During their time there, defendant Joefula contacted his girlfriend, Jonnete Smallwood, who was situated elsewhere, inviting her to join them for amusement.
While gathered, defendant Joefula, possessing a single-barrel shotgun, mishandled the weapon, inadvertently causing it to discharge and fatally injure Jonnete Smallwood.
Police investigations found no prior arguments or conflicts between the two parties leading up to the incident.
Eyewitnesses reported that immediately after the gun was fired, the defendant was overheard exclaiming, “I mistakenly killed my girlfriend.”
Following the shooting, Jonnete Smallwood was promptly transported to a local community clinic and then transferred to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Consequently, the defendant has been charged with manslaughter and the illegal possession and sale of lethal objects.
According to the constitution, manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony. It entails recklessly causing the death of another human being, or causing death under circumstances that would qualify as murder, albeit influenced by extreme emotional disturbance for which there is a reasonable excuse.
The charges against the defendant are in violation of Chapter 17, Section 17.11, and Chapter 14, Section 14.2 of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. He has been remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison, awaiting his court trial.
CATEGORIES Crime
