A 23-year-old miner has been arrested after an alleged cutlass attack left his friend dead at an unregulated gold field in River Gee County, police said. Authorities identified the suspect as Chris Teh, known locally as “Devil Palm,” and the victim as 20-year-old Moses Washington.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at a mining site in Putuken, where both men lived and worked alongside other artisanal miners.
Police and witnesses said the two men — described as close friends who shared a tent — began arguing late Monday night.
The dispute reportedly centered on personal matters, with Teh allegedly mocking Washington over his responsibilities to a young daughter who lives with another man in Putuken. Washington is said to have told Teh to mind his own affairs.
The argument escalated, and Teh allegedly attacked Washington with a cutlass, striking Washington on the right knee and severing a major vein.
Witnesses said Washington collapsed immediately and bled profusely. Despite attempts by fellow miners to assist, he died at the scene before medical help could arrive.
Fellow miners apprehended Teh as he tried to flee and handed him over to the Community Watch Forum of Liberia (CWFL) in Putuken. He was later transferred to the Liberia National Police (LNP) River Gee detachment in Fish Town, where he remains in custody pending investigation.
Police sources confirmed that Teh is expected to face murder charges under Liberian law. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the killing.
Residents of Chedepo Putuken expressed shock over the incident, noting that the two men had long been friends and worked together at the gold field for months. “We never expected something like this from Chris. They used to laugh and joke together every day,” said local miner Archie Toe.
The killing has reignited concerns about rising violence and social tensions among young artisanal miners in River Gee’s unregulated gold fields, where disputes over money, relationships, and living conditions are frequent.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as the investigation continues.
