Sanniquellie, Nimba County — The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie on Tuesday, May 26, sentenced a 56‑year‑old woman to life in prison after finding her guilty of killing three of her grandchildren in Menla Town, District 9.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
The verdict was delivered by Resident Judge Serena F. Garlawolu at the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie.
The defendant, identified as Mary Giah, was convicted of the murders after the prosecution presented forensic and eyewitness evidence tying her to the deaths.
According to the County Attorney, John Miah, prosecutors established a timeline showing that the children’s parents had left for the farm and asked Giah to care for the youngsters.
While the parents were away, investigators say Giah fatally attacked the children using objects recovered by police.
County Attorneys displayed those items to the court during proceedings.
“In presenting our case, we provided all available evidence, including the implements used in the killings,” County Attorney Miah told reporters after the ruling. “
The court’s decision vindicates the community and the victims’ families.” Courtroom reaction and next steps
Emotions ran high in the court room as the judge read her sentence. Family members of the victims wept quietly, while other relatives exchanged stunned looks.
Giah appeared disoriented at times during the hearing. When given an opportunity to speak, she told the court that she could not fully explain heractions and described them as the “work of the devil,” asking for forgiveness.
Judge Garlawolu, after weighing the evidence and aggravating circumstances, handed down a life imprisonment sentence.
Under the court’s order, Giah will be transferred to the Grand Gedeh Corrections Center, where she is expected to serve the remainder of her life.
News of the killings and the sentence reverberated through Menla Town and neighboring communities. Neighbors described the incident as shocking and unprecedented for the area.
Community leaders called for increased mental health support and stronger child‑safety awareness, saying the tragedy highlighted vulnerabilities when children are left in informal care.
The case drew attention to the local justice system’s handling of violent crimes against children. Prosecutors said they relied on physical evidence, witness testimony, and the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths to secure the conviction.
Defense counsel argued for leniency, citing Giah’s mental state and pleas for forgiveness, but the court said the severity of the crime warranted a life term.
Court records and family members identified the three victims as children of the couple who had left for the farm on the day of the incident.
The community has not released the children’s names publicly, pending notification of all next of kin and completion of official procedures.
Authorities say the sentence is final at the trial court level, though the defense may appeal.
Meanwhile, local social services and NGOs are coordinating support for the bereaved family and community, including counseling and child‑safety outreach programs.
