Samuel P. Jackson Decries Delay in Autopsy Reports on Wife’s Death, Calls for Release of Findings | Obituaries

Prominent Liberian economist and political commentator Samuel P. Jackson has expressed deep frustration over what he describes as an “unusually prolonged delay” in the release of autopsy and toxicology reports related to the death of his wife, South African national Ntombikayise Innocentia Khumalo, widely known as Toni Khumalo.

In an emotional social media post on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Jackson questioned why official forensic findings had not yet been released more than 100 days after her death, alleging that the delay has prevented both families from completing burial arrangements.

“If you’re happy I’m suffering. Toni’s family is grieving,” Jackson wrote. “Because I get a big mouth, marry a young woman and brag about my good fortune, I want to say please forgive me. But please let the pepo daughter’s body go home. Tie me. Do anything to me.”

He further claimed that he had been disturbed by emotional dreams involving his late wife, saying she urged him to pursue justice on her behalf.

“I just woke up from a horrible dream of my wife telling me how cold she is and was screaming. She told me to go fight for her. ‘Don’t be afraid of my baby’. They never liked me. They hated our love,” he wrote. “I hear you Zulu Queen. The fight begins!”

Jackson also expressed frustration over the continued absence of official forensic results.

“107 days after Toni passed. 104 days after autopsy and toxicology tests. No reports,” he stated, adding: “The churches are quiet. Mosques are quiet. Female lawyers are quiet. Politicians are quiet. Bloggers gone. I’m sorry for eating fufu. Wearing polo T-shirts. God bless you all!”

His latest remarks come after earlier public appeals calling on authorities to release the forensic documents needed to complete burial arrangements for his wife, whose body remains in a Monrovia mortuary pending repatriation to South Africa.

In a June 23, 2026 statement, Jackson noted that the delay has left both families in distress and unable to proceed with burial plans.

“Today, June 23, 2026, would have marked the 44th birthday and third wedding anniversary of my wife, Ntombikayise Innocentia Khumalo, commonly known as Toni Khumalo,” he said. “Sadly, we are unable to celebrate these milestones… because her body has remained in a mortuary freezer for more than 102 days.”

Khumalo died in Monrovia on March 13, 2026, under circumstances that prompted an investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP). Authorities later charged Jackson with manslaughter, negligent homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment in connection with the case. He has denied the allegations and is currently out on bail.

Police investigators previously alleged that injuries found on Khumalo’s body, including a head wound, raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death and suggested that evidence at the couple’s Sinkor residence may have been altered before their arrival. Jackson, however, has maintained that his wife had underlying health complications.

Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Jackson stressed that his primary concern remains the release of official documents required under South African law for repatriation of the body.

“The documentation required under South African law to repatriate her remains—including the autopsy and toxicology reports—has not been made available by the Government of the Republic of Liberia,” he said.

He added that repeated efforts by both families to obtain the reports have so far been unsuccessful.

“Despite our numerous efforts, our requests for custody of the body have been met with silence and resistance,” Jackson said.

Jackson also referenced earlier public remarks attributed to Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, who reportedly stated that an autopsy would be conducted on March 16, 2026, with results to be released within 72 hours.

“As many will recall, Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman publicly stated that an autopsy would be conducted on March 16, 2026, and that the results would be released within 72 hours,” he said. “However, 102 days later, the Government of the Republic of Liberia has yet to release either report.”

He further highlighted the emotional toll the delay is having on Khumalo’s family, particularly her elderly mother.

“Toni Khumalo’s mother, Mrs. Eliza Khumalo, is elderly and in frail health,” Jackson said. “The prolonged delay in releasing her daughter’s remains for burial has caused immense emotional distress.”

Jackson also noted that a representative of the South African Embassy was present during the autopsy, arguing that both the embassy and the family are entitled to access the findings.

“A representative of the South African Embassy was present at the funeral home on the day the autopsy was conducted,” he said. “The Embassy, like the family, deserves access to these reports.”

While reaffirming respect for legal procedures, Jackson said he is disappointed by what he describes as public silence surrounding the case.

“As Toni’s husband, I do not wish to litigate the circumstances of her death in the court of public opinion,” he said. “However, I must express my disappointment at the silence that has followed the public outrage.”

He concluded with an appeal to institutions and the international community to intervene.

“I appeal to all Liberians, civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and members of the international community to join our families in calling for the immediate release of the autopsy and toxicology reports,” he said.

“Our families seek only truth, closure, and the opportunity to lay our beloved Toni Khumalo to rest with dignity and respect,” he added.