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By: Emmanuel Tarpeh Quiah
MARYLAND COUNTY – OCTOBER 24, 2025: A tragic incident has rocked the quiet town of Gbaken in Karluway District, Maryland County, where a man has allegedly poisoned his close friend to death by mixing crocodile bile into cane juice.
The alleged perpetrator identified as Cyrus Bardio is currently under police investigation for the death of his friend, Isaac Davis, which occurred on Monday, October 13, 2025.
According to the District Police Commander, Inspector Samuel Brown Jr., preliminary investigations revealed that the two men were drinking together when the suspect reportedly laced the cane juice with a poisonous substance believed to be crocodile bile.
“The suspect, Cyrus Bardio, has openly confessed to poisoning his friend. He told investigators that he deliberately mixed the bile into the drink, which led to Isaac Davis’ sudden death shortly after consumption,” Inspector Brown disclosed.
According to the suspect, he committed the act out of anger claiming that the deceased owed him L$3,500 of which only L$700 had been repaid. The suspect alleged that despite several promises, Davis had repeatedly failed to pay the remaining balance of L$2,800 prompting him to seek what he described as revenge.
However, investigators say Bardio’s account of how he obtained the crocodile bile has been riddled with inconsistencies. At different times, the suspect claimed he received the toxic substance from a friend in Zone 8, Pleebo-Sodoken District, and later from Dougbo, Grand Kru County. He also claimed to have hidden the remaining bile in nearby bushes around Gbaken.
District Commander Brown confirmed that all the areas mentioned by the suspect were jointly searched by police officers and community members but no trace of the crocodile bile was discovered.
Inspector Brown noted that the case has since been turned over to the Crime Services Division (CSD) of the Liberia National Police for further investigation. The CSD is expected to gather additional evidence and provide clarity on the exact motive and circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
“The matter is now under detailed investigation,” Inspector Brown said. “We want to ensure that justice is served and that such acts of violence do not go unpunished.”
Meanwhile, Gbaken Community remains in shock over the incident which has sparked widespread discussions about the growing misuse of traditional substances in rural areas.
Residents of Gbaken described the two men as longtime friends who were often seen socializing together. The motive behind the crime remains unclear, but police say they are continuing their investigation to establish what led to the fatal act.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that after consuming the cane juice, Isaac Davis began to experience severe stomach pain and vomiting before collapsing. He was later pronounced dead by local health authorities.
The body of the deceased has been turned over to the family while the suspect remains in police custody awaiting transfer to the Maryland County Detention Center in Harper for further investigation and possible court action.
Police have also urged residents to remain calm and to avoid consuming locally prepared drinks from unverified sources as the investigation continues.
Inspector Brown reassured the public that justice will be served in accordance with Liberian law.
“This is a sad and shocking incident for our district. We want to assure the public that the Liberia National Police will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the law takes its course,” he added.
The incident has left the Gbaken community in mourning as family members and friends of the late Isaac Davis are calling for justice in what many described as a “cold-blooded betrayal.”