Doctor Testifies in Murder Trial of Sia Kamara

November 4, 2024

In the ongoing trial of Abdul Kpaka, accused of murdering Sia Fatu Kamara, emergency surgeon Dr. Herbert La Kallon provided key testimony last Friday. Dr. Kallon, the seventh prosecution witness, shared insights into the unsuccessful medical attempts to save Kamara’s life.

Dr. Kallon, currently in postgraduate surgical training, was on duty at the Emergency Government Hospital when Kamara was brought in on August 13, 2024. Arriving at the critical care area at 8:25 a.m., he found an Italian doctor and a team of nurses administering CPR.

He described the resuscitation methods used, including chest compressions, ventilation, vital signs monitoring, and the administration of drugs like adrenaline and naloxone. However, Kamara showed no pulse, blood pressure, or respiration, and the ECG confirmed no heart activity.

Despite exhaustive efforts by the medical team, Kamara showed no signs of life, and Dr. Kallon concluded that she was already deceased upon arrival. He presented a detailed report of her clinical death, supported by her lack of vital signs and ECG results.

Under cross-examination, Dr. Kallon emphasized his medical expertise and explained the protocols for declaring a patient dead, noting that the absence of vital signs was the primary factor. He dismissed the notion that skin temperature was relevant to the assessment.

Judge Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens ordered Kpaka to remain in custody, with further proceedings scheduled for November 8, 2024. The court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Kamara’s death and Kpaka’s alleged involvement.