Latest update April 11th, 2025 6:13 AM
Life in jail for two Mandir watchman murderers
The two men who were on trial for the brutal murder of a watchman in a Mandir at Williamsburg, Corentyne, back in 2013, and were earlier found guilty, have been sentenced to life in prison. They are to serve 45 years before being eligible for parole.
Shivnarine Jainarine, called ‘Sammy’ or Samuel, 24, of Train Line Dam, Port Mourant Corentyne, and Ryan Persaud, called ‘K.K’, 23, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, were on trial for murdering security guard, Jagdat Ramcharran, called “Ronald”, 61, a father of two, of Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice.
The incident occurred between January 6, and January 7, 2013. The man’s body was found bound and gagged at the Iskcon Hari Krishna Mandir at Block 6 Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice.
Attorney Mursaline Bacchus represented Jainarine, while Arudranauth Gossai appeared for Persaud. The Prosecutor was Attorney Mandel Moore.
The sentences were handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry before whom they appeared in the Berbice High Court. This was following the presentation of Probation reports, which were ordered by the court.
The probation report for Jainarine was presented by Senior Probation and Social Services Officer Vadney Schultz. It was related that Jainarine did not have a sound educational background and dropped out of school at age 11, when he began to work. His upbringing was described as unfortunate – due to lack of guidance – as was his involvement in the crime, since he was described as helpful and hardworking. He had dropped out of school to help his family.
Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, Egla October presented the Probation report for Ryan Persaud.
The report mentioned him as having a troubled past. He was described as semi-literate. As a juvenile, he was charged with larceny and spent time at a juvenile holding centre. He was still at school when he was arrested for the offence. Whenever complaints were made to the family about Persaud’s behaviour, his mother would hurl insulting remarks.
Improvised weapons were found on him while in jail and he was also recorded as hurling abusive and threatening remarks at prison officials.
Shivnarine Jainarine (with tie) and Ryan Persaud
It was noted that family did not want to speak on his behalf, and the deceased man’s family is still hurting – his son is being counselled after exhibiting suicidal tendencies.
In his opening address, Moore told the court that Ramcharran was a watchman at the Mandir when the two men along with others broke and entered the place of worship and in the course of committing a burglary, murdered the victim.
His bloody and bound body was subsequently discovered, around 03:00 hrs, by a worshipper who visited the temple early the morning to worship.
After making several calls and getting no response, the worshipper scaled the fence and the watchman was found lying on the ground in a bloody state on an adjoining veranda with his hands and feet bound, and the place ransacked.
A number of items were missing and the altar was in disarray.
The prosecution called a number of witnesses including police officers, the deceased man’s son and worshippers.
The caution statements given by the two accused were admitted into evidence.
The men had admitted being at the scene of the incident and playing various parts in the crime. The defence had called two witnesses.
Attorney Gossai had asked for mercy for the accused and had pointed to his their ages at the time of the incident. He also alluded to the fact that they had spent five years in jail and pointed to the Probation reports presented.
Before passing the sentences separately, Justice Beharry had detailed the men’s involvement in the crime; their admission of the brutality of the crime; the nature and prevalence; the fact that they took advantage of an elderly man; the psychological effect on the family, and the fact that they did not show any remorse.
Justice Beharry said, “a strong message must be sent and taking into consideration the time spent and the mitigating factors, life in prison is the sentence with parole not before serving 45 years”.
Another man, Kevin Hintzen, called ‘Ratty’, 23, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice had earlier this year pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced to 20 years in jail.
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