A man carrying a single-barreled gun has been found dead in a suspected suicide.
Nimba County, Liberia; August 4, 2025 – 25-year-old Josiah Whean, a resident of Gbeletuo Town, Electoral District #5, Nimba County, has reportedly committed suicide. The incident allegedly transpired on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the bush.
According to initial information, the Crime Services Division (CSD) Office in Toweh Town was alerted by Commissioner Justin Wehyee of Boe and Quilla Administrative District, who reported that Josiah Whean allegedly went to Whean’s Village Bush and fatally shot himself with a single-barrel firearm.
Upon receiving the report, the coroner assigned to the district immediately dispatched a joint investigative team to the scene to verify and establish facts surrounding the incident.
Upon arrival, investigators observed that the lifeless body of Josiah Whean was found lying in a pool of blood, with a gunshot wound and a single-barreled gun by his side. The arm and bullet were taken into police custody for further investigation.
Princess Josiah, the deceased’s 22-year-old wife, also a resident of Gbeletuo Town, informed investigators that her husband had earlier traveled to Gbahplay and Bahn City to sell a bag of rubber to repair his motorcycle. She narrated that upon returning home, he told her that he was heading to the village farm in Whean’s Village, only to discover his unconscious body.
Princess stated that the family is unable to explain what may have prompted his alleged action clearly.
Coroner John Toweh of Boe and Quilla Administrative District, along with a 15-man Coroner’s Jury, conducted a physical examination of the body.
The examination confirmed that the victim was deceased and concluded that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Following a detailed investigation that included securing the scene, reviewing evidence, and conducting a community canvass, the jury reported that the family of the deceased believes that Josiah Whean committed suicide.
The jury further noted the single-barrel firearm, believed to have been used in the act, was found at the scene and is now in police custody, and that no foul play was suspected based on evidence gathered.
Family of the deceased opted not to pursue further action and officially waived any legal action. They took possession of the remains of the late Josiah Whean for burial. Editing by Jonathan Browne
