Monrovia, Liberia – Francis Koiyan, 43, has been prosecuted by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and sent to court for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Hannah Karto, in Zeor’s Town, Lower Margibi County, over an empty palm wine container.
Koiyan, a Zeor’s Town inhabitant, was taken into custody in Louisiana Township on March 27, 2025. He was charged with aggravated assault and murder for the alleged death of Karto on February 6, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m.
Koiyan left the scene of the crime immediately after it happened, but on March 27, 2025, he was caught and charged in Louisiana Township, Montserrado County, after receiving a tip, according to the police charge sheet.
On February 6, Karto left her house in Zeor’s Town to get her regular palm wine, from the jungle, according to the inquiry. Koiyan, her lover, persisted on following her, nevertheless, as she was carrying his palm wine container and had refused to return it. According to reports, Koiyan started beating Karto till she passed out while they were moving into the jungle. She was left unconscious in the bush after Koiyan allegedly tied her hands behind her back and buried her head behind her underwear.
According to reports, market women in the area heard the victim’s pleas and informed neighbors, who subsequently found her unconscious and covered in blood. Koiyan had already left the site when the police were alerted. After a tip-off, a manhunt started, ending with his capture on March 27, 2025.
The girl sustained several bruises and a severe cut to the back of her skull, according to an inquest held at the T. Wah Bedell Funeral Home. Her family was given access to her remains so they could be buried.
Koiyan confessed to murdering Karto after police questioning, saying he was provoked during a fight. Investigators came to the conclusion, nonetheless, that the conduct was cruel, deliberate, and showed a lack of concern for human life. During the inquiry, witnesses denounced the brutality of the murder and called Koiyan “heartless.”
In line with Chapter 14, Subchapters A & B, Sections 14.1 and 14.20 of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia, the Crime Against Person Unit (CAPU) suggested that Koiyan be formally charged with Aggravated Assault and Murder after the inquiry. He was held at the Monrovia Central Prison for trial after being charged before the Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice.
