Published: September 12, 2025
MONROVIA — The long-delayed trial of Lawrence K. Williams, accused of driving into a jubilant Unity Party crowd during the 2023 presidential runoff celebrations, opened Tuesday at Criminal Court ‘B’, but proceedings were adjourned after the defendant told the court he had no lawyer.
Williams, indicted in 2024 on charges of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault, appeared before Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh and declared that he was indigent and unable to hire counsel. The judge cited Section 2.21(4) of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law and appointed the Office of the Public Defenders to represent him at no cost.
The court ordered prosecutors to immediately turn over all case files and evidence to the defense team and adjourned the trial until Sept. 16 to allow time for adequate preparation.
Alleged 2023 Attack
According to the indictment, Williams allegedly drove a grey Hyundai SUV into a jubilant crowd gathered at Unity Party headquarters on Broad Street in November 2023, shortly after the National Elections Commission declared President Joseph Nyumah Boakai the winner of the runoff election.
Prosecutors say the attack killed three people — identified as Mariana Kromah, Varney Suleiman, and Peter Gray — and left more than 20 others severely injured. Victims were rushed to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital with fractures, wounds, and long-term disabilities.
Police investigators allege Williams deliberately parked near the crowd, switched off his headlights, observed the gathering for about 30 minutes, then accelerated into the people with “forced and excessive speed.”
Charges and Indictment
Williams faces three counts:
- Murder under Title 26, Section 14.1 of the Liberian Penal Code;
- Aggravated Assault, a second-degree felony, for allegedly injuring 29 people;
- Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder for what prosecutors describe as a premeditated act intended to kill.
The indictment cites witness accounts, police findings, and medical reports detailing serious bodily injuries suffered by the victims.
Court Delays
Nearly two years after the incident, the case is only now moving to trial. Prosecutors have previously attributed the delay to “ongoing evidence gathering,” a justification defense lawyers say undermines the accused’s right to a speedy trial.
Judge Wesseh warned prosecutors to fully cooperate with the defense, stressing that the accused must be granted time to prepare and consult privately with counsel as guaranteed under Liberian law.
The case resumes Sept. 16 at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
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