Monrovia-Defendant Bill Jallah, in a deeply emotional state, broke down on Tuesday, September 9, during proceedings at Criminal Court “B”, pleading for mercy as he stood trial for the killing of his girlfriend, Princess Zuo Wesseh.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Visibly distraught, Jallah addressed the court directly, expressing profound remorse and offering personal apologies to the family of the late Princess Zuo Wesseh, particularly her mother, her young children, and others affected by the tragedy.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have anything to say. I also want to say sorry to Prince. I’m so sorry that he lost his mother at a very young age. I also want to say sorry to Princess’s little brother and all the family,” Jallah said tearfully.
“I have nothing to justify. I’m appealing to this Court for mercy, Princess was my very good friend.”
Jallah’s plea came after the prosecution concluded its presentation of both oral and documentary evidence in the case.
With the state resting on Tuesday, September 9, the court denied a defense motion for a continuance and instructed the defense team to proceed immediately.
During cross-examination, Jallah confirmed that his request for mercy was based on the seriousness of the murder charge, acknowledging the irreversible nature of his actions and the deep sorrow it had caused.
The court has scheduled final arguments for Thursday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m., after which a verdict is expected to follow.
A Tragedy That Shocked the Nation
The trial stems from the December 21, 2024 killing of 23-year-old Princess Zuo Wesseh, who was fatally stabbed by Jallah during a confrontation near Duport Road in Paynesville.
According to police reports, Jallah allegedly concealed a knife under his clothing and used it to stab Zuo multiple times following a heated argument.
The victim was rushed to the JFK Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Law enforcement officers recovered the suspected murder weapon, a blood-stained knife, at the scene.
In March 2025, a Grand Jury sitting for Montserrado County indicted Jallah on charges of Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Attempted Murder, citing “malice and intent.”
He has since been held at the Monrovia Central Prison, where he was remanded following his arrest in late December 2024.
Emotional Courtroom Scene as Guilty Plea Set Aside
On August 28, 2025, during an earlier court appearance, Jallah unexpectedly made an emotional guilty plea.
The courtroom was left stunned when the victim’s grieving mother turned to her grandson and said,
“That is the man who killed your mother.”
Despite the plea, the court determined that the legal process required the state to present its full case and thus ordered the prosecution to proceed with evidence.
The evidence phase concluded on Tuesday, September 9.
The murder of Princess Zuo has triggered widespread public outrage and calls for justice from across Liberia.
The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia strongly condemned the act, describing it as a brutal manifestation of gender-based violence and urging swift justice.
In a public statement, WONGOSOL called on the government to ensure that the case sets a precedent for holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable.
Similarly, Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence (MARDV) denounced the killing as barbaric, demanding that the full force of the law be brought to bear.
In a show of solidarity, the Women’s Legislative Caucus visited Princess Zuo’s family in late 2024, offering both emotional and financial support.
The Caucus pledged to follow the case closely and coordinate with judicial and police authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and trial.
Final Arguments Set
With the prosecution having formally rested its production of both documentary and material evidence, Criminal Court “B” will reconvene on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to hear final arguments from both sides.
The outcome of this case could mark a turning point in how Liberia handles intimate partner violence and gender-based crimes.
The case has stirred the national conscience, highlighting the dangers many women face in domestic settings and the need for stronger institutional responses to gender-based violence.
The nation now waits to see whether the court will weigh the defendant’s plea for mercy against the gravity of the crime and the calls for justice from a grieving family, and a wounded public.
