Liberia’s Police IG Confirms Crime Scene Preservation Amid U.S. Fire Experts’ Arrival

Police IG Gregory O.W. Coleman confirmed that the crime scene at the Capitol Building is preserved for U.S. fire experts aiding in the investigation of a December 2023 arson. Experts Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich will not conduct their own probe but will support local authorities. IG Coleman stated that sufficient evidence exists to pursue charges against suspected individuals involved in the incident.

Monrovia – Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman has assured the public of the preservation of the crime scene at the Capitol Building, where an arson attack occurred. He confirmed that the site remains untouched while awaiting the arrival of foreign fire experts tasked with aiding the investigation.

On February 27, 2027, G. Warsuwah Barvoul, Director of the Liberia National Fire Service, announced that three fire experts from the United States would assist in the inquiry into the major fire that damaged the Capitol’s joint chambers and dome in late December 2023.

The experts, former Minnesota fire chiefs Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich, bring over 90 years of collective experience in fire safety, investigation, and emergency management. Inspector General Coleman confirmed that their assistance had been formally requested by the Liberian government.

He explained that the request for assistance was initiated in the previous year but was delayed due to the transition of leadership in the United States. “When this incident occurred, we initiated all necessary mutual legal arrangements. However, the U.S. underwent a leadership transition, and the process had to restart,” said IG Coleman.

Reassuring the public, he stated that the crime scene remains intact, emphasizing, “There has been no tampering.” He clarified that the foreign fire experts will complement the ongoing investigation led by Liberian authorities, rather than conducting a separate inquiry.

“These experts are here to work with us on our ongoing investigation. They are not launching a separate probe but rather filling in gaps to strengthen our findings,” he added. Coleman highlighted that proper arrangements had been made for examination at the crime scene.

Despite the ongoing investigation, IG Coleman asserted that the police possess adequate evidence to bring charges against those allegedly involved in the arson incident. “The police have enough grounds to lay charges, which is why we have proceeded accordingly,” he stated.

Once the foreign fire experts finalize their investigation, the joint security forces will conduct a press briefing to share further details with the public.

In summary, the investigation into the arson attack at the Capitol Building is proceeding with the help of U.S. fire experts, maintaining the integrity of the crime scene. Inspector General Coleman assures that the evidence collected by local authorities supports potential charges against suspects. The collaborative approach exemplifies a commitment to thorough investigation as officials await the completion of analyses by the foreign specialists.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com