-As Trial Sets For Today in Triple Murder Case
By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNQUELLIE, Nimba County — The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has set Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for final arguments in the trial of Mary Giah for the murder of her three grandchildren in Mehnla Town, Electoral District #9.
Despite her guilty plea, the court proceeded with the trial on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Defendant Mary Giah, 56-year-old, pleaded guilty on Monday, May 18, 2026, when the indictment was read in court. Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu set the plea aside and ordered a fact-finding trial, as required under Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, Title 2, Chapter 16.
The law allows a judge to set aside a guilty plea and enter a plea of “not guilty” on behalf of the defendant, compelling the prosecution to present its case in open court. At the trial on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) the prosecution presented two witnesses. The first witness, Melvin Zainsaye, identified himself as the father of one of the deceased children, Marvelous Zainsaye, 4.
He testified that he had known and lived with defendant Mary Giah for years as his former mother-in-law, while still in relationship with Mercy Giah, mother of the three deceased children. Witness Zainsaye said that on February 22, 2026, while attending a funeral wake, he received a call that his son and two other children were found dead in Mary Giah’s house, lying in a pool of blood with deep cuts to their throats.
When he confronted defendant Giah, she admitted to killing the children but gave no reason, he testified.
State Prosecution’s second witness, Police Investigator Lee Jackson Suah, testified that Giah used a knife and razor blade to carry out the killings. Investigator Suah said investigators had independently verified the evidence, including a medical examination, coroner’s jury report, photographs of the victims, witness statements, and defendant Mary Giah’s own admission.
The prosecution’s witnesses testified and rested, paving the way for the defendant to take stand and testify. Defendant Mary Giah waived her right to testify and prayed the court to admit her guilty plea into the record. Assigned Presiding Judge, Her Honor Serena F. Garlawolu granted the defendant’s request and announced final argument in the case for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The case moved to trial after Nimba County’s Grand Jury returned a True Bill against her for the alleged commission of the crime of murder. A True Bill is a formal endorsement by a grand jury indicating that prosecutors have presented enough evidence to establish probable cause and proceed to indictment.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Mehnla Town, Nimba County’s Electoral District #9, where Giah allegedly killed her three grandchildren. The victims were identified as Mewaseh Giah, 6; Marvelous Zainsaye, 4; and Alvina Tokpah, 2.
The Liberia National Police preliminary investigation established that the children were found with fatal throat injuries while asleep.
56-year-old Mary Giah was arrested and forwarded to court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a preliminary investigation report that included a charge sheet, witness statements, and the suspect’s own account. Investigators alleged that Mary Giah used a knife and razor blade to kill her grandchildren.
In her statement to police, she admitted to the act and claimed that she acted to “prove she is a witch physically” and said she was driven by a demonic spirit. The investigation notes that on February 21, the children’s mother, Mercy Giah, had left them in the defendant’s care while she spent the night elsewhere with her boyfriend.
Police say the evidence supports charges under Chapter 14, Subchapter A, Section 14.1 of Liberia’s Penal Law, which defines the crime of murder.
The Grand Jury reviewed the prosecution’s file and found the case is credible enough to advance to the May 2026 Term of Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit in Sanniquellie.
Following that finding, the Ministry of Justice, through the Nimba County Attorney’s Office, formally indicted Mary Giah to face justice. At 56, defendant Mary Giah faces a possible life sentence. Under Liberia’s Penal Code, Section 14.1, murder carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and the court’s rejection of her guilty plea means prosecutors must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt before sentencing can be imposed.
Nimba County residents have described the case as deeply distressing, citing the ages of the victims and the fact that the accused is their grandmother. The killings of three children under ages 2, 4, and 6, in Mehnla Town have shaken the community, with many residents following the trial closely. Since testimony began on May 19, the case has gained wide public attention in Nimba County and is now considered one of the most high-profile criminal matters before the 8th Judicial Circuit Court this year.
