The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Justice Momoh Jah Stevens, denied bail to the accused in the on-going murder trial involving the death of Sia Kamara, as Detective Police Constable (DPC) Sheku Turay presented key testimony.

The accused allegedly claimed that Sia fell and hit her head on the edge of a bed, a statement revealed during a police search of the accused’s residence.

DPC Sheku Turay, a crime scene investigator attached to the Lumley Police Station, testified to his involvement in investigating the alleged incident. He detailed his role in collecting evidence, taking photographs, and accompanying pathologists during the autopsy.

According to DPC Turay, he was informed of the case on August 16, 2024, by fellow officer Nyakeh Amara (PW-9). He accompanied PW-9 to the Connaught Mortuary, where he witnessed the government pathologist, Dr. Owiz, conduct an autopsy in the presence of the deceased’s relatives. Turay took photographs of the process with a digital camera and mobile phone, noting that permission was granted by the supervising pathologist, Dr. Koroma.

After the autopsy, Dr. Koroma issued a certificate indicating the cause of death, a copy of which was handed to the police. The investigators returned to the Lumley Police Station before proceeding to execute a search warrant at the accused’s residence in Mambo, Peninsula.

DPC Turay testified that he, along with senior officers DASP Mohamed Amara and Nyakeh Amara, the accused, and the accused’s lawyer, CN Kamara, conducted a search of the accused’s home. Inside the accused’s apartment, they observed a wooden bed, which the accused identified as the spot where Sia fell. Turay photographed the bed, the room, and the red carpet where the alleged fall occurred.

Additional items, including a blue-black handbag and other accessories belonging to the deceased, were discovered. Turay submitted 39 photographs as evidence, which he tendered in court. However, he admitted under cross-examination that he lacked expertise in lifting fingerprints and footprints, and no such analysis was conducted at the scene.

During cross-examination, the defense team highlighted procedural gaps, including the absence of forensic fingerprint and footprint analysis. Turay confirmed he only took photos of the deceased on the day of the autopsy and not at the crime scene.

The defense renewed their application for bail, emphasizing the accused’s right to fair treatment and the possibility of procedural lapses. However, the prosecution opposed the motion, citing the severity of the charges and potential flight risk. Justice Stevens upheld the prosecution’s arguments, rejecting the bail request.

Justice Momoh Jah Stevens adjourned the trial to Friday, November 29, 2024, for further proceedings.