Published: September 17, 2025
MONROVIA — Criminal Court ‘B’ at the Temple of Justice has granted a motion filed by defense lawyers for Lawrence K. Williams, the man accused of plowing his vehicle into a crowd of Unity Party supporters, killing three people and injuring 29 others during last November’s election victory celebrations.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Wesseh A. Wesseh, transfers the case to the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Bomi County. The defense argued that excessive pretrial publicity in Montserrado County could prejudice jurors against their client. Prosecutors did not object to the request.
Williams was indicted by a Montserrado County grand jury on Sept. 22, 2024, on charges of murder, aggravated assault and criminal attempt to commit murder. According to the indictment, on Nov. 20, 2023, Williams allegedly drove a gray Hyundai SUV into jubilant Unity Party supporters gathered near the party’s Broad Street headquarters in Monrovia. The attack occurred outside the United Bank for Africa branch adjacent to the headquarters.
The indictment alleges Williams deliberately turned off his vehicle’s headlights, parked and observed the crowd for about 30 minutes before accelerating into the supporters. Prosecutors say the act caused multiple deaths, serious injuries and lasting disabilities for many of the victims.
Williams’ defense team argued that widespread media coverage and public discourse around the case in Montserrado County made it impossible for their client to receive a fair trial. They cited Section 5.7(d) of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, which allows a defendant to request a change of venue when impartiality is in question. The defense asked that the case be heard in either Bomi or Margibi counties, arguing that those venues were less likely to be influenced by public opinion. Their motion emphasized that the request was made in good faith and in keeping with the rights of the defendant under Chapter 2 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia.
In granting the motion, Judge Wesseh noted that the right to a change of venue is provided under Liberian law and emphasized that no objection was raised by state prosecutors. “The application filed by the defense counsels, since there is no objection from the prosecution, is hereby granted,” Wesseh ruled. The judge ordered the clerk of court to transcribe all case records and transfer them to the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Bomi County for trial.
The indictment sets out three key allegations. First, Williams is accused of murder for intentionally causing the deaths of three people by driving into the crowd. Second, he faces charges of aggravated assault for allegedly inflicting serious bodily injuries on 29 others, many of whom required treatment at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Finally, he is charged with criminal attempt to commit murder on grounds that his actions—including switching off his vehicle’s headlights, parking strategically and later accelerating into the crowd—demonstrated intent to kill.
The transfer of venue means Williams will face trial in Bomi County. The decision is expected to ease concerns about jury impartiality but will also require prosecutors, defense lawyers and witnesses to relocate for the proceedings. The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal trials in Liberia, touching on both the country’s fragile political climate and broader questions of justice and accountability.
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