PLEEBO, Maryland County – A 2-year-old boy, identified as Theo Elliott, was found dead Wednesday, May 7, in an open pit behind a school in Pleebo City, District 2.
Residents gathered in large numbers after discovering Theo’s lifeless body following an overnight search. The pit, which belongs to the AICA Elementary School, had reportedly been left uncovered since August last year.
Eyewitnesses told The Liberian Investigator that Theo had been left in the care of a relative, Esther Doe, who lives near the child’s parents. According to neighbors, it was common for Theo’s parents to leave him with Esther while they sought food or work.
On Tuesday, May 6, the day of the incident, a 7-year-old boy named Daniel Freeman reportedly told Esther that Theo’s grandmother, Mamie Doe, had asked for the child. Esther later discovered that the information was false; Mamie had been away on her farm, located several kilometers from Pleebo.
When Mamie returned later that evening and was questioned about the request, she denied having asked for Theo. Alarmed, family members and neighbors began searching for the toddler, continuing through the night.
On Wednesday morning, the search ended in tragedy when Theo’s body was discovered in an open pit located at the rear of the AICA Elementary School, which shares a boundary with the Elliott and Doe homes.
The incident drew immediate attention from the Liberia National Police’s Crime Services Department (CSD) in Maryland County. A team led by Deputy CSD Commander Inspector Jimmy Kaydor and Pleebo Health Center Physician Assistant Banny Neufville arrived at the scene early Wednesday. A 15-member coroner’s jury was convened, and Theo was pronounced dead following a medical examination.
Rev. Sylvester Chea, principal of AICA Elementary School, told reporters that the pit had been dug for a septic tank in August 2024, but construction was halted due to a lack of funding. He said students had been warned to avoid the area but admitted the broader community had not been adequately notified about the danger.
Although no formal charges have been filed, police sources say the school administration could face negligent homicide charges. Rev. Chea expressed regret over the incident and offered a verbal apology to the Elliott family.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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