A horrific tragedy unfolded in the 72nd Community, specifically the Army Camp Football Field area of Paynesville, Liberia, claiming the life of 79-year-old Hawa Flomo. The suspect, a 22-year-old known as “Kezo” and identified as a drug addict, allegedly committed the brutal act while residents were engrossed in a televised football match. The incident, occurring around 10 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025, highlights a disturbing intersection of substance abuse, violence, and community vulnerabilities. The timing of the attack coincided with a highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, drawing most of the community away from their homes and leaving Hawa Flomo alone and vulnerable.
Kezo’s alleged actions paint a grim picture. He reportedly dragged Hawa Flomo from her home and, using a rock, fatally struck her in the head. The brutality of the act has shocked the community, leaving residents grappling with the senseless loss of a respected member of their close-knit neighborhood. The incident also raises questions about the accessibility of support systems for individuals struggling with addiction and the potential dangers that untreated substance abuse poses to society. The vacuum created by the community’s collective absence during the football match sadly provided an opportunity for the tragedy to unfold.
Eyewitness accounts corroborate the horrific nature of the crime and shed light on the suspect’s demeanor. “Cold Storage,” who heard a commotion, discovered Kezo standing over Hawa Flomo’s body. Upon approaching the scene, Kezo reportedly threatened “Cold Storage” with an iron implement believed to have been used in the attack. The eyewitness account details a chilling confrontation, with Kezo’s aggressive behavior forcing “Cold Storage” to flee for his safety. This testimony underlines the suspect’s volatile state and the imminent danger he presented to anyone who crossed his path that fateful night.
Further investigation into Kezo’s past reveals a history of gangsterism and documented substance abuse. Witness Aaron Smith disclosed Kezo’s involvement in drug-related activities within the community. According to Smith, Hawa Flomo’s daughter, Diamonwa, had previously lodged a complaint with the community chairman about Kezo’s drug use and sales. This complaint, Smith suggests, could have been the motive behind the attack. He believes Kezo may have targeted Diamonwa out of retaliation for reporting him, with Hawa Flomo becoming the unfortunate victim of his misplaced rage. This narrative underscores the potential consequences of unchecked substance abuse and the urgent need for community interventions to address such issues.
The chairlady of the Army Camp Field Community, Madam Boyonnoh Titus, where Kezo sought refuge after the incident, stated that she had only recently become aware of the suspect’s presence in the area. She described him as appearing to be “out of his mind, on drugs.” This description reinforces the image of a young man consumed by addiction, possibly leading to erratic and violent behavior. Additionally, reports surfaced of a recent altercation between Kezo and a neighbor over a broken mobile phone, further highlighting his volatile nature and impaired judgment. These incidents collectively paint a concerning picture of an individual struggling with addiction and prone to conflict.
Diamonwa Flomo, the deceased’s daughter, recounted her absence during the tragic event, stating that she had left the house briefly to purchase food. This poignant detail further underscores the tragic timing of the attack. She confirmed Kezo’s notorious drug use and highlighted the volatile relationship he had with his girlfriend, who had reportedly asked him to leave their shared residence due to his addiction. This detail paints a more complete picture of Kezo’s troubled personal life, possibly exacerbating his existing struggles. The incident has left the community reeling, mourning the loss of Hawa Flomo and grappling with the complex issues of substance abuse and violence that contributed to her untimely demise. Kezo has since been apprehended by the police and is currently undergoing interrogation. The investigation promises to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating event and, hopefully, lead to a path towards healing and preventative measures within the community.