Elmer Nah Sentenced to Three Life Terms for Ramnarace Family Murders

Three life sentences in prison were handed down to former Police Corporal Elmer Nah this morning for the murders of Vivian, Jon and David Ramnarace, with him not becoming eligible for parole until he reaches approximately ninety years of age.  Justice Nigel Pilgrim imposed the life sentences, along with an additional eighteen-year sentence for the attempted murder of Yemi Alberto. All four sentences are to run concurrently, with the court ordering that Nah must serve fifty years before becoming eligible to apply for parole. The sentences were backdated to January 3, 2023, the date on which Nah was first remanded to the Belize Central Prison.  Before sentence was handed down, there was a dramatic twist in the proceedings when Nah unexpectedly asked to address the court directly.  Justice Pilgrim informed Nah that the defense had already been given the opportunity during yesterday’s proceedings to indicate whether mitigation evidence would be presented. Nah, however, claimed that his attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, had failed to explain the mitigation process to him or advise him on the possibility of calling witnesses on his behalf.  Although the judge noted that there is a prescribed stage in the proceedings for mitigation, he nevertheless allowed Nah to make a statement.  In an emotional address, Nah maintained his innocence, insisting that he had been wrongfully convicted for the New Year’s Eve 2022 murders and the attempted murder of Yemi Alberto.  Addressing members of the Ramnarace family, Nah expressed sympathy as a father and former police officer before making the startling claim that he knows who committed the killings. Nah alleged that he had previously identified the individual to authorities and further claimed that he had been threatened after seeking to have surveillance footage enhanced.  While Nah identified an individual in open court, we are withholding that person’s name.  Nah told the grieving family that if they pursued the information he provided, they would find the “real killer.” He concluded by saying that regardless of whether he received a sentence of one hundred or two hundred years, his conscience was clear and that he believed his conviction would eventually be overturned on appeal.  Justice Pilgrim said Nah’s statement would be taken into consideration before proceeding with sentencing.  Following the hearing, Nah accused his attorney of having “sabotaged” his case. Dr. Jones declined comment.  Family members of the Ramnaraces, who had earlier indicated they would speak to the media following sentencing, ultimately declined on-camera interviews. They expressed disappointment with Nah’s claims, noting that throughout the trial he had maintained his innocence but had never before alleged that he knew the identity of the killer.  Nah was found guilty on May 29 following a judge-alone trial before Justice Pilgrim. The Ramnarace family was attacked while celebrating New Year’s Eve and welcoming in 2023, leaving behind a young daughter who was only five years old at the time.