More than four years after a brutal New Year’s Eve attack shattered the Ramnarace family, the search for justice reached a pivotal moment in court today. Emotions ran high as convicted killer, former police corporal Elmer Nah, stood before a judge to learn his fate. In May, Nah was found guilty of murdering three family members and attempting to kill a fourth in the 2022 Belmopan tragedy. News Five’s Shane Williams was in court as the sentence was handed down.
Shane Williams
Shane Williams, Reporting
“After almost three and a half years, the Ramnarace family finally got the justice they have been waiting for. Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who convicted Elmer Nah of killing Vivian, John, and David Ramnaris on December 31st, 2022, delivered his sentence of three concurrent life sentences with the possibility of parole only after fifty years served. Elmer Nah will not be able to walk the streets of Belize until he’s at least 90 years old. Not only the sentence, but what took place inside the courtroom today was unexpected and unprecedented.”
On The Phone: Terrence Williams, KC, Special Prosecutor
“One thing about courthouse matters is that strange things always happen.”
Ten minutes into the hearing, Elmer Nah interrupted proceedings, insisting on speaking. Justice Pilgrim reminded him, his chance had passed during Wednesday’s mitigation hearing, but allowed it anyway after Nah said his attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, hadn’t explained its importance. Taking the floor, Nah maintained his innocence, offered condolences to the victim’s family, and pointed to another disgraced police officer as the real killer. Wrapping up his remarks, Nah declared, “Even if I’m sentenced to one hundred years, my conscience is clear.” We then turned to Special Prosecutor Terrence Williams for his reaction to that bold statement.
Shane Williams
“And this utterance in court is very strange. We had a very long trial where any defense could have been advanced before the court during that trial. It’s a very strange thing.”
Justice Nigel Pilgrim proceeded to deliver his sentence, noting aggravating factors including the number of victims killed, the fact that the murders were carried out inside the victims’ home, that the attack unfolded in front of a five-year-old child, it was committed with a deadly weapon, at least one victim was a public servant and the killings were premeditated.
On the phone: Terrence Williams, KC
“On the facts, it was a case of three murders, and as was described yesterday in the mitigating, in the mitigation session, there were no significant mitigating factors. And in those circumstances, life imprisonment is what is ordained with the possibility of parole. So there’s – If a person is rehabilitated and reformed, the person can be released on parole, having that being decided by the parole board at the appropriate time.”
Shane Williams
“Elmer Nah maintains his innocence and believe that his legal representation sabotaged his case. We heard from him when leaving the courtroom today.”
Elmer Nah
Elmer Nah, Convict
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
Jon & David Ramnarace
Shane Williams
“What do you think of your attorney Mr. Nah?”
Elmer Nah
“Bogus! He sabotaged my case.”
Vivian Ramnarace
Justice Pilgrim stopped short of imposing a death sentence since he could not rule out the possibility of rehabilitation. And the quality of his defense is something that Nah may consider for appeal. Meanwhile, King’s Counsel Williams is hoping the result will bring some healing for the Ramnarace family.
On the phone: Terrence Williams, KC
“The question of appeal is up to him. For me, although I’ve been in this work now thirty-odd years it was very emotional experience yesterday to hear from her aunt how the young girl has had to cope with losing her mother and father. It is a sadness. I feel assured that she’ll have great family support going forward and will take some solace, some comfort – the family will, the family of the deceased and the injured will take some solace in the verdict.”
Reporting for News Five from the High Courts of Belize, I’m Shane Williams.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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