Capitol Arson Case Turns Explosive—Prosecution and Defense Clash Over Evidence!!

The Capitol Building arson trial has taken a dramatic turn as prosecution witness Rafael Wilson, a Liberia National Police investigator, delivered explosive testimony linking defendants directly to the crime scene.

Wilson told jurors that co-defendant Thomas Etheridge and others entered the Capitol compound in a vehicle bearing license plate HOR 98—a car that remains unaccounted for. He revealed that 59 additional persons of interest were initially invited for questioning, underscoring the scale of the investigation.

Prosecution’s Account

* Vehicle Evidence: Wilson insisted the HOR 98 vehicle transported suspects to the Capitol.

* Security Gaps: He described how state police guarded only the outer perimeter, while internal security clocked out by 5:00 p.m., leaving the building vulnerable at night.

* Forensic Discovery: Investigators found a chloral bottle smelling of gasoline near the Speaker’s parking spot, lifted as evidence.

* Geo-Spatial Analysis: A digital report allegedly placed Etheridge at the crime scene, strengthening the prosecution’s case.

Defense’s Counterpoints

* Missing Vehicle: Defense lawyers pressed Wilson on why no formal written request was made to recover the HOR 98 vehicle. Wilson admitted the request was only verbal, raising questions about investigative rigor.

* Investigative Gaps: The defense highlighted the lack of documentation and challenged the reliability of geo-spatial findings.

* Credibility Issues: By pointing to procedural lapses, defense counsel sought to cast doubt on whether the evidence truly ties Etheridge and others to the arson.

Background

The December 18, 2024 fire devastated the Legislature’s Joint Chambers, sparking national outrage and leading to indictments for arson, conspiracy, mischief, and endangerment of public infrastructure.

What’s Next

The trial resumes Thursday, with more witnesses expected. The defense is preparing to intensify its assault on the credibility of the investigation, setting the stage for even more courtroom fireworks.

Key Difference in Accounts:

* Prosecution: Defendants entered Capitol in HOR 98; geo-spatial data confirms Etheridge’s presence; gasoline bottle is damning evidence.

* Defense: Vehicle never formally retrieved; evidence chain is weak; investigative methods lack documentation and reliability.

Author: Melvin Jackson | Judicial Reporter