Pastor of a Local Church In Grand Gedeh Escapes Capture Over Witchcraft Allegation

By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee County Correspondent 

Grand Gedeh County – April 25, 2025 – David Tarr, a pastor at the Open Bible Assembly of God church in Konobo Ziah Town, is currently eluding law enforcement following allegations that he was involved in the death of Rev. Kala Tarley through witchcraft.

Members of the Ziah Town AG church congregation and the deceased’s family have accused Tarr of being linked to Tarley’s death due to his purported involvement in witchcraft activities.

In a telephone interview with our reporter on April 24, 2025, Rev. Daniel G. Waylee, the senior pastor of the Open Bible Assembly of God Church in Ziah Town, expressed sorrow over the death of one of his senior congregation members. He characterized the late Tarley as a devoted Christian.

Rev. Waylee shared that Tarley had been suffering from an ailment that needed specialized care in Monrovia; unfortunately, he ultimately lost his battle with the illness.

“After Minister Tarley’s passing, his family and church members accused David Tarr of his murder. Although Tarr has refuted these claims, the family proposed that he should consume sassywood to prove his innocence. Nevertheless, as Christians, particularly within the Assembly of God tradition, we do not subscribe to the practice of sassywood. In my role as the leader of the Christian community, we have initiated conversations with the grieving family to amicably resolve the issue, especially given that we belong to the same denomination,” Rev. Waylee remarked.

He also mentioned that all church activities were temporarily halted last week following his advice to local traditional leaders, but they have since resumed.

After the passing of pastor Kala Tarley, tensions arose within the congregation, as both Tarley and the accused, David Tarr, were part of the same church community. In light of this turmoil, I deemed it unsuitable to continue worship services and suggested a halt to church activities following discussions with local traditional leaders,” Rev. Waylee explained.

He further clarified, “The decision to temporarily suspend church operations was made by the head pastors of the Assemblies of God church in Ziah, contrary to the belief that it was initiated by the traditional leaders.”

Additionally, sources disclosed to our reporter that David Tarr, the pastor facing accusations, had previously been compelled to leave Jorwar, where he served due to accusations of practicing witchcraft. He subsequently moved to Ziah and took on a ministerial role at the Assemblies of God church in Ziah Town.

When queried about Tarr’s current situation, Rev. Waylee indicated that he had received information suggesting that Tarr had escaped to Zwedru overnight and is currently in hiding there.

He also mentioned that the body of the late Kala Tarley has not yet been interred, as funeral arrangements are still being carried out in the community.

The Assemblies of God denomination has been established in Liberia since 1908, with over 6,000 congregations throughout the nation.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief