Published: March 25, 2026
Monrovia — The murder trial of Francis Nana, the taxi driver who is accused of allegedly killing the police officer at the Vai Town checkpoint, has begun at Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice, with the defendant pleading not guilty.
During Monday’s hearing at the Court, defendant Nana, following the reading of the indictment, pleaded not guilty to charges linked to the death of officer Mark D. Bracewell. Jury selection in the case is ongoing and is expected to continue on Wednesday, with six additional jurors anticipated to be selected.
Earlier on Monday, Judge Roosevelt Willie denied a motion filed by the defense seeking a change of venue. The defense argued that intense social media exposure, including the alleged public parade of the defendant, and widespread media coverage. In support of their argument, defense Atty Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I, cited a similar request made by prosecutors in the Capitol Building arson case, where concerns were raised about media influence and claims that Montserrado was “polluted.”
However, the prosecution opposed the motion, maintaining that the incident occurred within Montserrado County and should be tried there. Prosecutors further emphasized that the case involves the alleged killing of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty. In his ruling, Judge Willie stated that the defense had failed to present sufficient grounds to justify a transfer of the case to another county.
The case arises from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of September 29, 2025, at a security checkpoint near the Gabriel Tucker Bridge in central Monrovia. According to police report, officers were conducting routine inspections when Nana, driving a yellow Nissan Almera (license plate TX-A0022), allegedly refused to stop and accelerated toward the checkpoint. Investigators say Patrolman Bracewell attempted to block the vehicle and climbed onto its hood during the confrontation. Nana allegedly continued driving at high speed before striking a concrete barrier, resulting in fatal injuries to the officer.
Following the incident, Nana reportedly abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee, but was apprehended by private security guards, Joseph Doe and Amos Kumeh. During police questioning, Nana claimed he panicked and was unaware that the officer remained in the vehicle. He also suggested brake failure; however, a subsequent mechanical inspection found the vehicle’s braking system to be fully functional.
Witnesses and fellow officers alleged that instead of stopping, Nana accelerated across the bridge into Vai Town, ignoring the officer’s pleas. According to the charge sheet, Nana fled the scene on foot after the crash, abandoning the fatally wounded officer.
Police Charge: “Malice and Disregard for Life”
The police charge sheet, signed by ACP Raffel A. Wilson, Commander of the LNP’s Crime Services Division, alleged that Nana’s actions were “deliberate, reckless, and met the threshold for premeditated murder under Chapter 14, Section 14.1 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.”
A mechanical inspection by ACP Barney
Johnny, Chief of LNP’s Motor Pool, dismissed Nana’s claim of brake failure, confirming that the vehicle’s braking system was fully functional. “The defendant purposely, willingly, intentionally, and maliciously smashed victim Mark D. Bracewell against a concrete block which instantly resulted in his death,” the report stated.
Unprecedented Security Escort
On Wednesday, October 1, an extraordinary security presence marked Nana’s court appearance. More than 50 security officers, led by LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accompanied the suspect to the Monrovia City Court. The escort came just days after Coleman and AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Forleh visited the crash scene. The courthouse atmosphere was described as somber and emotional. Family members, friends, and dozens of colleagues of the late officer gathered at the Temple of Justice, many in tears.
Bracewell’s mother was seen weeping uncontrollably outside the court. Nana has since been remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison, pending trial.
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