Two jurors have withdrawn from the ongoing trial of 28-year-old architect Richard Appiah, who is accused of murdering two children in Abesim, Bono Region.
When the case was called yesterday February 11, 2025, the presiding judge, Justice Ruby Aryeetey, informed the court that the foreman of the seven-member jury had formally submitted a letter stating his decision to step down.
However, the reasons for his withdrawal were not disclosed in open court.
Additionally, another juror indicated his preference to be replaced, but the judge directed him to submit an official request in writing before any decision could be made.
The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2025.
Background
Richard Appiah is accused of murdering his stepbrother and two other children, aged between 12 and 15 years.
On August 20, 2021, police launched an investigation after receiving reports of missing children in Abesim. Upon searching Appiah’s residence, officers discovered the dismembered body of one victim stored in a fridge, while two other bodies were found in separate rooms.
Further investigations led police to a cocoa farm in Abesim, where intestines believed to belong to one of the victims were unearthed and exhumed for forensic analysis.
Two bloodstained machetes were also retrieved from the scene as evidence.
The trail continues as the Court works to resolve the jury withdrawals and proceed with the case.
