Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – May 21, 2025 — The High Court of The Gambia has sentenced Mario Mendy to life imprisonment for the murder of Maram Jaw, marking the conclusion of a tragic case that captured national attention and rattled the Fajikunda Kerewan community.

The judgment, delivered on May 20, 2025, by Hon. Justice Z. N. Mboob at the Mile 7 High Court, found Mendy guilty of the unlawful killing of Jaw, who was last seen alive on May 11, 2021. Her lifeless body was later discovered bearing signs of violent assault.

According to the prosecution, Mendy had deceptively ingratiated himself into the victim’s family before being expelled due to concerns over his behavior, including allegations of financial exploitation. Despite his subsequent denial of involvement, the court found that the evidence against him was overwhelming.

Forensic Evidence Seals Conviction

A key turning point in the trial was forensic evidence linking Mendy directly to the crime. A blood-stained shoe in his possession was subjected to DNA analysis in Ghana, revealing a 99.999% match with the maternal DNA of the victim. Additionally, personal belongings of Maram Jaw were found hidden by Mendy after the incident.

The prosecution called thirteen witnesses, many of whom recounted instances of harassment and confirmed that Mendy had possessed the victim’s items without her consent.

Prosecutors also introduced four critical exhibits: a blood-stained pestle, photographs, the incriminating shoe, and comprehensive DNA reports.

Justice Mboob, in delivering her verdict, praised the thoroughness of the prosecution’s case.

“The blood-stained pestle and the detailed description of the deceased in the autopsy report indicate that the accused knew that death was a probable result of his actions,” she said. “The prosecution has led cogent, credible, and admissible evidence, leaving no reasonable doubt that Mario Mendy unlawfully caused the death of Maram Jaw.”

The judge highlighted the importance of circumstantial evidence, stating that the sequence of events and the accused’s behavior left no alternative conclusion but guilt.

“The accused’s actions on the 11th of May 2021 were such that it can be inferred with certainty that he murdered the deceased. His conduct was inconsistent with any other rational conclusion but guilt,” she added.

Sentencing: Justice, Rehabilitation, and Deterrence

While murder in The Gambia carries a maximum sentence of death under Section 188 of the Criminal Code, Justice Mboob opted for life imprisonment after weighing mitigating factors. The court considered Mendy’s lack of previous convictions, his youthful age, and the potential for rehabilitation.

“Murder remains one of the most heinous offenses known to our law… However, in the exercise of the court’s discretion and in light of the totality of the circumstances, I am persuaded that the interests of justice are better served by the imposition of a sentence of life imprisonment,” Justice Mboob declared.

She also acknowledged the profound impact of the crime on the victim’s family and community, underscoring the need for a sentence that reflects societal condemnation and deters future acts of violence.

“The irreparable harm caused to the victim’s family and the community, coupled with the breach of trust involved in this offense, calls for a sentence that upholds the rule of law and deters similar crimes in the future.”

Background of the Case

Mario Mendy was accused of murdering Maram Jaw by stabbing her with a knife. At the time of the offense, he had cultivated a close relationship with the victim’s family under false pretenses. That relationship soured, and he was eventually barred from their home following suspicions of deceit and exploitation.

Despite Mendy’s repeated claims of innocence, the convergence of forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and damning circumstantial details led to his conviction.

With sentencing concluded, both the prosecution and defense have reserved their right to appeal.

News of the verdict was met with a mix of relief and grief in the Fajikunda Kerewan community, where Maram Jaw was well known and loved. Community members expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a warning against similar abuses of trust and acts of violence.

The life sentence handed down brings a measure of justice to the grieving family and reinforces the judiciary’s resolve to uphold accountability in the face of heinous crimes.