A 32-year-old taxi driver, Francis Nana, has pleaded not guilty to charges of Murder and Malice, & Disregard for Life, in connection with the death of Patrolman Mark D. Bracewell of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The plea was entered on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Criminal Court “A” following the reading of the indictment. Before the plea, Nana’s lawyers filed a motion for change of venue, arguing he could not receive a fair trial in Montserrado County due to intense media coverage and public scrutiny after the incident.
The defense relied on Articles 11(c) and 21, Chapter 5, Section 5.7(b) of the Criminal Procedure Law. In resistance, the prosecution requested that the court deny and dismiss the motion because the elements of Chapter 5, Subsection 5 weren’t satisfied; as such, it prayed the court for a speedy trial.
Meanwhile, Presiding Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie denied the request, citing Section 5.7.1(b) of the Criminal Procedure Law and ruling that the defense failed to present sufficient grounds to justify transferring the case.
However, the defense took an exception to the Judge’s ruling to the Motion for Change of Venue and announced an appeal to the Supreme Court sitting in its March Term of Court. The judge acknowledged the appeal.
The charges stem from a chilling incident on September 28, 2025, at the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, where police say Nana refused to stop at an LNP checkpoint and sped toward Patrolman Bracewell.
According to investigators, the officer leapt onto the hood of the taxi to protect himself, but Nana allegedly accelerated across the bridge into Vai Town, ignoring pleas to stop. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier, fatally injuring the officer.
Police reports indicate that Nana fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended by private security officers on duty in the area. A mechanical inspection dismissed Nana’s claim of brake failure, asserting the vehicle was fully functional. The case has drawn national attention, heightened by the massive security presence of more than 500 officers during Nana’s first court appearance, led by LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman.
The emotional scene at the Temple of Justice saw relatives, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer demanding justice. Defense counsel Atty. Jeremiah Dugbo has argued that the incident was accidental and lacked intent or motive. As trial proceedings continue, the case is expected to serve as a major test of Liberia’s justice system and its handling of high-profile cases involving law enforcement officers.
