Published: March 14, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia National Police has declared Liberian economist and political commentator Samuel Jackson a person of interest in the death of his wife as authorities pursue what they describe as an active homicide investigation.
On Friday evening, armed officers were deployed around Jackson’s residence in the Old Road community of Monrovia.
Speaking during an interview broadcast by Spoon TV, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Public Affairs Sam Collins said the deployment followed concerns raised during the initial examination of the victim’s body.
“We are conducting what I refer to as a very active homicide situation that occurred overnight at the home of Mr. Jackson,” Collins said. “He has been declared as a person of interest, and the police want him to assist with the ongoing investigation.”
Injury Observations Raise Questions
According to police, investigators who examined the body observed a deep laceration on the crown of the head and visible bruises, prompting authorities to open a homicide inquiry.
The preliminary inspection, according to Collins, was conducted at the hospital in the presence of representatives from the South African Embassy in Liberia, police investigators, a coroner from Montserrado County and a representative of Jackson.
Authorities say the involvement of the embassy was necessary because the deceased was a South African national.
Collins said the nature of the injuries required further forensic examination, including a full autopsy.
“There will be an autopsy to establish further what actually led to the death of this lady,” he said.
Police Cite Non-Compliance
Police say they initially invited Jackson to voluntarily come to headquarters to assist investigators but claim he later refused.
According to Collins, officers also requested access to the residence to examine the crime scene. While Jackson initially agreed, police allege he later denied investigators entry and became hostile toward officers.
Because of that development, authorities say they decided to maintain a police presence around the property.
“The police will remain deployed because he is a person of interest,” Collins said, adding that investigators also consider Jackson a potential flight risk.
Workers Also Questioned
Police confirmed that two workers from Jackson’s household were taken in for questioning after information surfaced that blood at the scene may have been cleaned before investigators arrived.
Collins emphasized that the individuals, like Jackson, are currently considered persons of interest rather than suspects.
“You could be invited as a person of interest. It does not necessarily mean that you are under arrest,” he said. “When the police establish grounds that can lead to an arrest, then you will be informed.”
Jackson’s Account of the Incident
Earlier Friday, Jackson described the events leading to his wife’s death during an interview at his residence.
He said his wife had suffered a seizure earlier in the week and was resting at home while he left for a radio program.
According to Jackson, he departed his home around 8:20 a.m. on Thursday and later called a household worker around 10 a.m., asking him to check on her.
When he returned approximately 20 minutes later, Jackson said he discovered his wife lying near the edge of the bed in a pool of blood.
“I came into the room and saw my wife lying on the edge of the bed in a pool of blood, semi-conscious or unconscious,” he said.
Jackson said household staff assisted in taking her to the hospital, where doctors later determined she had sustained a brain injury believed to have resulted from a fall.
He also complained about difficulties securing an ambulance during the emergency.
Police Reject Claims of Improper Procedures
Responding to concerns raised by Jackson about police actions, Collins said investigators do not require consent from a person of interest to conduct examinations in a suspected homicide case.
“We are investigating an alleged homicide,” he said. “We do not need the consent of Mr. Jackson.”
Authorities also dismissed criticism that police were acting too quickly while the family was grieving, arguing that delays could compromise critical evidence.
“Any attempt to delay the crime scene may allow it to become contaminated,” Collins said. “We must move swiftly to preserve evidence.”
Autopsy Expected
Police confirmed that the body has been placed under official hold pending a forensic autopsy, which investigators say will be key to determining the precise cause of death.
Authorities have urged Jackson to cooperate with investigators and present himself at police headquarters for questioning.
“He will remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Collins said. “But he must cooperate with the Liberia National Police in this investigation.”
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