Bong Mines, Liberia– The family of Doris Kollie, a 44-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered at the weekend in Bong Mines, Bong County, is urging authorities to expedite the arrest of the man suspected of killing her. The suspected perpetrator, Jerry Lawrence King, reportedly confessed to the crime before fleeing and has not been seen since.
The Liberia National Police, Bong Detachment has confirmed that Jerry is the primary suspect in the May 16 incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning after Dorris attended a wake-keeping at her church with members of her congregation. Family members describe her death as a brutal and senseless act that has shattered their lives and shaken their trust in the justice system.
“We are heartbroken. Completely broken,” said Sam Livingstone, Doris Kollie’s brother, in an interview via phone. “My sister was not just someone who was killed. She was a mother, a friend, a believer. She didn’t deserve to die like this.”
According to Mr. Livingstone, at about 1:00 a.m. on May 16, Doris decided to head home. As she made her way back, she was allegedly followed by the alleged perpetrator, also a former boyfriend with whom she had ended a relationship about nine years earlier.
“The relationship didn’t work. They both moved on,” Livingstone explained. “But later, Jerry wanted her back. She had already found someone else, a man named Alex. She made that clear to him.”
What happened next, the family says, was both terrifying and devastating.
“He started confronting her on the way home. Arguing with her about the relationship. She was tired, she wanted to go home and rest,” Livingstone recalled. “Instead, they ended up fighting, and he overpowered her. That’s when he allegedly killed her.”
While police have not released full autopsy results, a 15-member coroner’s jury convened to examine the body concluded that there was clear evidence of foul play. Bong County Police Commander Fasu Sheriff confirmed the finding and acknowledged that King had reportedly admitted his actions to several individuals before fleeing.
However, Mr. Livingstone said some of the people King allegedly confided in were initially questioned by police but later released.
“These are people he told directly that he killed my sister,” said Livingstone. “Why were they released? Why weren’t they treated as material witnesses or even suspects?
Contrary to the alleged releasing of suspects, Commander Sheriff said no one has so far been linked besides Jerry Lawrence King who is on the run. He reiterated that the Liberia National Police is “fully committed” to pursuing justice in the case.
“We understand the pain of the family and the community,” Commander Sheriff said. “King will be found and brought to justice. We urge calm as we continue our investigation.”
Friends and neighbors remember Doris Kollie as a kind-hearted, prayerful woman who was deeply involved in her church and community. She was described as quiet, nurturing, and resilient, someone who carried herself with strength and grace despite life’s challenges.
For the Kollie family, justice is not just a legal goal, it is a vital step toward healing. Sam Livingstone says the family has placed its trust in the justice system, but that trust is now under pressure.
“We are not asking for revenge,” he said. “We’re asking for justice. We’re asking the Police to do their job. We want Jerry King found, arrested, and prosecuted.”
We will keep following the Police investigation…
