Abesim murder case: Prosecution to call first witness on June 3

Prosecution will on June 3 call its first witness in the case involving Richard Appiah, accused of murdering two children at Abesim in the Bono Region.

Appiah, a draughtsman, is alleged to have kept parts of the victims' bodies in a refrigerator after the killings.

At the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, a Case Management Conference was concluded on Wednesday.

Appiah has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder before a seven-member jury.

The prosecution is expected to call eight witnesses.

During the empanelling of the jury, Appiah rejected three jurors, stating he wanted “gender balance.”

The prosecution, led by Nana Ama Adinkra, Senior State Attorney, and defence counsel delivered their opening addresses.

The prosecution informed the court that it would rely on the bill of indictment filed.

It said it would tender an autopsy report on the deceased, partially burnt clothes, pictures of the refrigerator where the body parts were stored, photographs of the deceased, and written witness statements.

The prosecution said it would present evidence to prove the charges of murder against the accused.

Defence counsel argued that the presence of the corpses in Appiah's room did not establish that he committed the murders.

Counsel told the court that the accused was suffering from schizophrenia, a mental condition that impaired his ability to appreciate the natural consequences of his actions.

The jury was advised to focus solely on the evidence presented in court and disregard external information.

Appiah is standing trial for allegedly murdering Louis Agyeman and Stephen Sarpong in 2021. He has denied the charges.

GNA