By Jamesetta D Williams
Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia has ruled that the autopsy conducted on the body of the late Toni Jackson by Dr. Rockefeller F. Cooper II is invalid and cannot be admitted as evidence in the ongoing manslaughter and negligent homicide case involving defendant Samuel P. Jackson.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, following arguments presented by the Ministry of Justice questioning Dr. Cooper’s qualifications to perform an autopsy.
The prosecution maintained that Dr. Cooper is licensed only as a Forensic Medico-Legal Death Investigator and not as a certified pathologist authorized to carry out full post-mortem examinations.
The defense objected to the motion, describing it as untimely.
However, the court dismissed that argument, stating that the application was filed within the allowable period before the end of the February Term and that earlier delays were due to judicial training activities.
In his ruling, Judge Willie clarified the distinction between forensic investigators and certified pathologists. He explained that while forensic investigators are permitted to collect evidence and document crime scenes, only licensed pathologists are legally authorized to perform autopsies and formally determine causes of death.
Based on this interpretation, the court declared the autopsy report prepared by Dr. Cooper “null and void ab initio,” ruling it inadmissible as evidence in the case.
However, the court also noted that other investigative activities conducted by Dr. Cooper, including evidence collection and witness interviews, remain valid and may still be considered during trial proceedings.
Despite the ruling, the case against Samuel P. Jackson is expected to continue during the current May Term of Court as the prosecution and defense prepare to present additional evidence
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