Berbice man admits to killing businessman after robbery

A Berbice man on Tuesday pleaded guilty to the murder of a businessman when he appeared at the Berbice Criminal Assizes before trial Judge Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty.

The accused, Satish Ramnarish, 39, admitted to the capital offence when the indictment was read to him.
State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards, outlining the facts of the case, told the court that the fatal incident occurred on October 18, 2023, during a robbery at the victim’s business premises in Williamsburg, Corentyne.
According to the prosecutor, the victim, Akbhar Sain, 69, owner of Sain’s Supermarket in Williamsburg, Corentyne, was known to the accused for several years before the incident.
Edwards said that on the night in question, Ramnarish prised open a metal and glass door and gained entry to the lower flat of the building, where the supermarket was operated. The businessman resided in the upper flat.
The court was told that the victim confronted the accused during the break-in, resulting in a physical struggle. During that confrontation, the victim struck Ramnarish on the head with a piece of wood, after which Ramnarish struck the businessman, causing him to collapse.
Prosecutor Edwards said that after the victim fell, injured, the accused proceeded to ransack the lower flat and stole a sum of cash, which he concealed on his person.
Neighbours later raised an alarm, and Police responded to the scene, where they found the businessman lying in a pool of blood inside the supermarket. The prosecutor told the court that Ramnarish was confronted by Police and was shot once during the encounter, sustaining a wound to his arm.
Edwards further related that when questioned by Police, Ramnarish reportedly expressed remorse, stating, “Me sorry, me na mean fuh kill am.”
The prosecutor also told the court that Ramnarish, a father of six, claimed he went to the businessman’s premises with the intention of stealing money to feed his children.
Following the guilty plea, Justice Kumar-Chetty ordered the preparation of a probation report on the accused, along with a prison conduct report. The Judge also directed both the prosecution and the defence to file written submissions outlining aggravating and mitigating factors by February 25.
Ramnarish is represented by defence attorney Sasha Roberts.
The matter has been adjourned to March 5, when the court is expected to impose sentence.