Sentencing Delayed for Triple Murder Convict Elmer Nah After Emotional Court Hearing

Sentencing has been deferred until tomorrow morning for convicted triple murderer Elmer Nah after an emotional day in the High Court that saw heartbreaking testimony from members of the Ramnarace family and final submissions from both the prosecution and defense.  Nah, a former police corporal from Belmopan, was found guilty on May 29 for the murders of Vivian Ramnarace, her husband Jon Ramnarace, and David Ramnarace following a shooting incident on December 31, 2022. He returned to court today for mitigation proceedings before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. However, after hearing submissions from both sides and considering the extensive victim impact statements presented to the court, Justice Pilgrim opted to reserve his decision until tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. In doing so, the judge acknowledged the gravity of the matter and the difficult task before the court in determining an appropriate sentence.  Nah’s attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, urged the court not to impose a life sentence, arguing that his client remains capable of rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. Jones maintained that while Nah had been convicted, the court should consider the possibility of reform when determining sentence.  Notably, Nah called no character witnesses on his behalf and declined to participate in a Social Inquiry Report, a process commonly used to provide the court with information regarding an offender’s background, circumstances, and prospects for rehabilitation. When questioned by the court, Dr. Jones confirmed that Nah was aware of the benefits of participating in the report but had chosen not to do so.  The most emotional moments of the hearing came during the reading of a 31-minute victim impact statement delivered by Vashti Belisle, sister of Vivian Ramnarace. Speaking on behalf of her family, Belisle described the devastating impact the murders have had on their lives and reflected on Vivian’s roles as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and public servant.  Belisle recounted the final phone call her mother received from Vivian after the shooting and spoke about the lasting trauma left behind for Vivian’s young daughter, who lost both parents in the tragedy.  In one of the most poignant portions of the statement, Belisle shared a message from the child, now eight years old, who asked that the judge sentence “the bad guy” to fifty years in prison. According to Belisle, the child later reconsidered and remarked that fifty years “is too little.”  Belisle told the court that while the family hopes Nah finds forgiveness and redemption, he must nevertheless be held accountable for the devastation caused by his actions.  At the conclusion of the hearing, Nah maintained his innocence. As he was being escorted from court and asked if he had anything to say, he replied, “Don’t watch me fall, watch me rise.”