The death of Musu Tarpleh, a 17-year-old student at Nathan E. Gibson High School in Monrovia, Liberia, has sparked controversy and allegations against a computer science instructor, Stephen Jackson. Musu’s mother, Sayma Konneh, discovered text messages on her daughter’s phone that suggested a romantic relationship between Musu and Jackson. These messages included a conversation where Musu complained of stomach pain, and Jackson inquired about the possibility of pregnancy and suggested its termination. Musu’s subsequent death, attributed to liver damage possibly caused by an unknown substance, led her mother to believe that her daughter had undergone a botched abortion, potentially influenced by Jackson.
The administration of Nathan E. Gibson High School, while expressing condolences and cooperating with the investigation, has contested the media narrative portraying the incident as a teacher raping a student to death. They clarified that Stephen Jackson was not a direct employee of the school but rather a contractor employed by Interband, a private company that manages the school’s computer lab. Momo B. Kamara, a supervisor at the school, emphasized that the allegations remain under investigation and that the school’s contribution to Musu’s funeral and their facilitation of a meeting between the family, Interband, and the police demonstrates their commitment to resolving the matter.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the school administration maintains that the narrative presented in media reports is misleading and exaggerated. They stress the distinction between Jackson’s contractual relationship with Interband and the school’s own staff, emphasizing that Jackson was not directly under their employ. The school’s statement underscores the ongoing nature of the investigation and their cooperation with law enforcement authorities. They also highlighted Musu’s prolonged absence from school prior to her death and her treatment at multiple medical facilities, including the 14 Military Hospital, as pertinent details requiring further investigation.
David S. Dahn, CEO of Nathan E. Gibson High School, reiterated the institution’s commitment to student safety and its historical contribution to Liberian education. He expressed the school’s shock at the unprecedented nature of the situation, given their long-standing history without similar incidents. Dahn emphasized that Musu’s extended absence from school and her treatment at various medical centers prior to her death necessitate a thorough investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding her demise. This information, he argued, forms a crucial part of the narrative and should be considered alongside the allegations against Jackson.
The school’s response aims to contextualize the incident within the framework of their existing policies and procedures. They highlight their outsourcing arrangement with Interband for computer lab services, asserting that Jackson was not subject to their direct oversight as an employee. This clarification seeks to define the school’s responsibility and involvement in the matter. They maintain that their cooperation with the police and their facilitation of communication between the involved parties demonstrates their commitment to finding the truth.
The case now rests with the Zone 5 Police Station in Paynesville, where further investigation will attempt to unravel the complex circumstances surrounding Musu’s death. This includes determining the cause of her liver damage, verifying the nature of her relationship with Jackson, and establishing whether any criminal activity occurred. The investigation will likely involve examining medical records, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the text messages exchanged between Musu and Jackson. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining the appropriate course of action and ensuring that justice is served.
