Liberia: American Missionary Held for ‘Attempted Murder of Liberian Wife’

The Liberia National Police have begun investigating Lucas Richard, an American who allegedly attempted to slit the throat of his Liberian wife, Jessica Lloyd.

Richard, a Missionary of the Creekside Church, is currently in police custody undergoing investigations for attempted murder, the Police said in a Facebook post.

“The Liberia National Police have arrested and are investigating an American national, Lucas Richards, on allegations of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault,” the police said. “On September 14, at 3 PM, it is alleged that suspect Richards drove the victim, Jessica Lloyd, around Dixville, Caldwell, where he attacked and injured her, leaving her with lacerations on her neck, the back of her head, and fingers.

“Victim Lloyd is currently undergoing treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital, while Suspect Richards is detained at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police. The public can be assured that justice will be served.”

Richard has, however, vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that Lloyd had been injured in a motorcycle accident. 

“She was hit by a motorbike. The motorbike struck her, causing her to fall backward and roll into the ditch,” he maintained.

In his denial, Richard told police that the victim had asked him for U$150 to buy foodstuff from the supermarket. After shopping, he dropped her along the roadside for her to get a motorbike that would take her back home.

“From there we decided that I can drop her. She will get a motorbike while standing on the road. I saw a motorbike come from nowhere and hit her,” he said.  

Richard's position has, however, been denied by the victim, who claimed that her traditionally wedded husband had attempted to kill her with a knife.

“But firstly, before we could get out of the car, he took a big knife, saying that he was afraid of snakes and that, in case he saw one, we would kill it. So we got out of the car. He put the knife in his pocket after we got to the riverside. The area was crowded, so he couldn’t do anything. 

“Later on, we went to some kind of bush area. He said he wanted to urinate. After urinating, he said he saw some kind of animal in the bush, but the knife was in his pocket. So he called me to come see. But I told him that I was scared. So I just stood behind him. If I was going to get closer, he would have killed me right there, so I just stood behind him. 

“When he finished urinating, I told him to wash his hands. Then we drove in front. He said he wanted to urinate again. So he said, ‘Stand behind me small.’  I stood behind him, but not too close, so when he finished, we got back into the car, went in front small, and passed by a cemetery.

 “We went in front small and he said the car tire had a problem and he wanted to change the tire. So I said okay. I was sitting in the car at first and then he said, ‘Oh Jessica, I think you will need to help me," Lloyd said.

According to Lloyd, Richard brought out the metal tool used to loosen the bolts from the tire. Then he told her she had dirt in her hair. 

“So, as he was cleaning it, I heard ‘boop’ —- I thought the car tire burst or current jerked me, so I fell on the ground and started jerking. When I woke up, he pushed me back on the ground. That was when he took the knife and began cutting my neck,” Lloyd said. 

The mother of the victim shared that her daughter and Richard initially crossed paths at a boarding school in Cape Mount. Richard subsequently fell in love with Llyod and proposed marriage.

“My daughter confided in me, and I suggested that we meet this man. She informed me that he was already married to an older woman. A week later, both of them came, and we held a traditional wedding ceremony.”

She went on to reveal that after the wedding,  Lloyd returned to her boarding school. 

“She later called me to express concerns about her pregnancy. I assured her we would visit the hospital upon her return to town. She confirmed that Richard was aware of the situation and was supportive.”

However, issues arose when school authorities accused Lloyd of having an affair with Richard. 

“Richard informed us that he intended to find an apartment with all the necessary amenities before leaving for the United States. I explained that finding an apartment might be challenging, but she could stay with us for the time being, and he could send the money when available.”

Richard returned later that evening. “He arrived that night, and Jessica handed him her medical records from ELWA Hospital, confirming her pregnancy.”

The victim's mother also accused Richard of administering an injection that resulted in the termination of Jessica's two-week pregnancy a few months ago. “He injected her, and shortly after, Jessica reported that her legs had weakened. I immediately informed her father, and he asked if I was certain it was intentional. I was hesitant to believe it due to his seemingly caring behavior.”