GBEKEN, Maryland County — Tension gripped Gbeken Town in Karluway District, Maryland County, after video footage surfaced showing an angry crowd attempting to mob a man accused in connection with a mysterious death.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The footage shows dozens of youth armed with sticks, stones, cutlasses and other weapons pursuing Thomas Cooper, who was accused in connection with the death of Morris Dweh Jr.
According to Police reports, the incident stems from events that occurred on March 19 when Morris Dweh Jr., 39, was found unconscious along a path leading to Gbeken Town around 0300hrs.
Reports indicate that Morris had earlier gone to wash gravel at a gold mining site along with Thomas Cooper and David Bedell.
The group reportedly began returning to town around 0200hrs after their mining machine broke down. However, Morris was left behind along the route under unclear circumstances.
The report continues that Thomas Cooper later encountered Morris lying unconscious while returning from the same direction and alerted residents of the town.
Community members quickly secured the scene, and officers, including Karluway District Police Commander Inspector Samuel T. Brown Jr., responded.
Authorities later convened a 15-man coroner jury, which pronounced Morris dead. The body was subsequently released to family members for burial.
However, tensions escalated when during the procession into town, residents claimed that, in line with traditional practices, the corpse allegedly identified Thomas Cooper as responsible for Morris’ death.
The claim sparked outrage among residents and heightened tension in the community.
Following the incident, Thomas Cooper reportedly confessed, alleging that Morris was killed through traditional means. He claimed that food and alcohol consumed at the gold mining site were poisoned through witchcraft. He also alleged that others were involved but has not disclosed their identities.
Authorities say investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in Gbeken Town as residents await further developments surrounding the mysterious death and the allegations that followed.
