Two jurors withdraw from Abesim murder trial

Two jurors have stepped down from the trial of a 28-year-old architect facing charges for the alleged murder of two children in Abesim, a town in the Bono Region.

During the court session on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the presiding judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, informed both the prosecution and defense that the foreman of the seven-member jury had formally submitted a letter to the court, requesting to step down. However, the specific reasons for his decision were not disclosed in open court.

Additionally, another juror indicated his wish to be replaced. In response, the judge instructed him to submit an official request in writing before any decision could be made regarding his removal.

The trial has been postponed to March 27, 2025.

Case Background

The accused, Richard Appiah, is alleged to have killed his stepbrother along with two other children, aged between 12 and 15.

The case came to light on August 20, 2021, when police launched an investigation following reports of missing children. Upon searching Appiah’s residence, officers discovered the dismembered body of one of the victims stored in a refrigerator, while two additional bodies were located in separate rooms within the house.

Further inquiries led authorities to a cocoa farm in Abesim, where they unearthed intestines believed to be those of one of the victims. These remains were later sent for forensic examination.

Law enforcement officials also recovered two bloodstained machetes from the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation.