Published: November 17, 2025
Paynesville — Montserrado County District 4 Representative Michael Thomas has threatened legal action against popular social media commentator “Prophet Key” over allegations linking him to the tragic fire that killed Shara Community chairlady Deiode Davies Garnett and four of her family members.
At about 11 p.m. Friday, fire engulfed the Garnett residence. Despite efforts by residents and the Liberia Fire Service to extinguish the blaze and rescue the occupants, all five victims died. Hundreds of community members gathered early Saturday, grieving the loss of their chairlady, who was widely admired in the area.
In a Facebook post Saturday, Prophet Key claimed a family member informed him that Thomas “should be called for questioning,” alleging the lawmaker may have had a political motive because Garnett was considered a strong rival.
“A family member reached out to me, saying that the fire outbreak that led to the death of Duport Road Shara Community chairlady—Representative Michael Thomas should be called for questioning by the police,” ‘Prophet Key’ wrote. He added that Garnett was believed to be Thomas’ “greatest political rival” and that growing support for her “may have sparked envy.”
Thomas described the accusations as “reckless and outlandish,” especially as the community mourns.
“In moments of sorrow, it is disheartening and unacceptable for anyone to exploit tragedy for political gain,” his office said in a statement. “We question the motives behind such an accusation when a family is in deep mourning.”
The statement added that the representative’s office “will not be deterred by malicious attempts” to damage his reputation and is exploring legal options against individuals making what it called “egregious claims.”
The cause of the fire has not been independently determined. Some residents who attempted to put out the blaze believe it may have been caused by an electrical fault.
“The fire started in the living room and spread quickly because the house had a wooden interior,” one resident told The Liberian Investigator. “There was no way for the chairlady and her children to escape. She cried for help and even called the Fire Service. We tried everything, but the iron gates and windows trapped them.”
Former community chairman Godfred Johnson said the bodies of Garnett and her children were rushed to Benson Hospital, where they were pronounced dead from suffocation.
As chairlady, Garnett led several community development efforts, including the pavement of the main Shara Road connecting to Duport Road.
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