Published: July 7, 2026
GBARNGA, Bong County — A 53-year-old man has been charged with murder and forwarded to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga after his fiancée died from injuries police say he inflicted during a domestic dispute in Kollietawola, on the outskirts of Gbarnga.
The Liberia National Police Bong detachment identified the suspect as Richard Denteh. The victim, Lorpu Kollie, sustained severe injuries during the incident and was rushed to a clinic in Gbarnga, where she later died while receiving treatment. Denteh was arrested following a police investigation and has been formally charged and turned over to the court for prosecution.
According to eyewitness accounts, including one from the victim’s daughter, Fanta Kamara, the incident stemmed from a dispute over L$1,500 that had allegedly gone missing from money Denteh had entrusted to Kollie for safekeeping.
Kamara alleged that at about 6 p.m. Saturday, Denteh assaulted her mother by stomping on her stomach during the argument. She said that when she tried to intervene, Denteh locked the door, preventing her from entering the house. Kamara said she then sought help from a member of the community watch forum, who forced the door open and found Kollie unconscious. Kollie was rushed to a nearby clinic but later died.
Speaking to journalists Monday after his arrest, Denteh admitted that a physical confrontation occurred but disputed parts of the witnesses’ account. He claimed the argument began after Kollie demanded money from him and became violent when he refused. Denteh said Kollie grabbed and bit him on the thigh during the altercation, prompting him to push her to the ground and kick her.
“She held me and bit me on my thigh. I too pushed her and hit her with my foot,” he told reporters.
Denteh also alleged that the relationship had been strained for months, claiming Kollie had denied him sex for about two months and accusing her of having an affair with another man.
The suspect expressed remorse over Kollie’s death and accepted responsibility for his actions.
The case has intensified concerns over domestic and gender based violence in Liberia, where advocacy groups continue to call for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and greater public awareness to prevent abuse within homes.
Denteh remains in custody pending proceedings before the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga.
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