Berbice trio each jailed 35 years for killing Tain pensioner during robbery

Three Corentyne men who brutally robbed and murdered an elderly Tain pensioner in her own home were on Friday each sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment, as the Berbice High Court described the crime as a grave violation of human dignity and community safety. Dhannyram Ramdhanny, 35; Kumar Bhagwandin, 29; and Navindra Chillu, 25, were convicted last month by a 12-member jury for the robbery-murder of 82-year-old Chandarie “Aunty Dayo” Budhoo of Lot 83 Tain Settlement, Corentyne. The offence occurred during the night of June 16 into the early hours of June 17, 2020.

The sentences were imposed by Justice Sandil Kissoon during the Berbice Criminal Assizes following the submission of probation and psychiatric reports ordered after the guilty verdicts. Budhoo, a widowed pensioner who lived alone, was discovered dead in her home by neighbours who became concerned after she failed to respond to their usual morning greetings. Upon entering the house, they found her lying motionless, with her hands and feet bound and a cloth wrapped tightly around her neck. The house had been ransacked, with furniture displaced and personal items scattered.
A post-mortem examination later revealed that Budhoo died from asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation and suffocation, along with blunt force trauma to the head. Medical evidence confirmed that she had struggled before succumbing to her injuries.

During the trial, the State relied heavily on the testimony of Kevin Mangar, also known as “Toby” or “Chubby”, a former accomplice who admitted that he acted as a lookout while the three accused entered Budhoo’s home. Mangar told the court that he heard the elderly woman screaming for an extended period before her voice abruptly went silent.
He further testified that after the robbery, the stolen items were sold and the proceeds shared among the men. Although defence attorneys challenged Mangar’s credibility and pointed to inconsistencies in his statements, the jury accepted his evidence when considered alongside the totality of the prosecution’s case.

Sentencing
At Friday’s sentencing hearing, Defence Attorneys Kevin Morgan and Chandra Sohan urged the court to consider mitigating factors, including the ages of the accused, their family backgrounds and the absence of previous murder convictions. They also pointed to the psychological reports, which indicated that the men were capable of rehabilitation. State Prosecutor Cicela Corbin, however, argued that the brutal nature of the crime, the vulnerability of the victim and the deliberate planning involved demanded a severe custodial sentence. In delivering his ruling, Justice Kissoon said the court was bound by law to apply sentencing provisions carefully while ensuring that justice was properly served.

“The statutory provisions governing sentencing must be scrupulously observed. Where a murder is committed in the course of a robbery, especially against an elderly and defenceless citizen, the offence ranks among the most serious known to our criminal law,” the judge stated. Justice Kissoon said the court was deeply troubled by the circumstances under which Budhoo lost her life. “This was not a spontaneous act. The victim was restrained, her home was invaded and she endured suffering before her death. These factors significantly aggravate the offence.” He told the court that while mitigating factors were considered, they could not outweigh the gravity of the crime.
“The safety and security of society must remain a central objective of sentencing. Elderly citizens must feel secure in their homes. When that sense of safety is destroyed, the court must respond firmly.” The judge further referenced appellate authorities that require courts to impose sentences that both punish and deter.
“Robbery-murder is a compound offence involving both economic greed and personal violence. The court must send a clear signal that such conduct will attract severe consequences.” Justice Kissoon said the binding of the victim, the prolonged struggle, and the sharing of the stolen property after the crime were significant aggravating features. “Having considered all the circumstances, this court finds that a sentence beyond the statutory minimum is warranted.” He then sentenced each of the three men to 35 years’ imprisonment, with the sentences to run from the date of conviction. Time already spent in custody will be deducted. The judge told the convicted men that their actions had permanently changed the lives of Budhoo’s family and deeply affected the community. “You have deprived a family of their loved one and a community of a respected elder. While rehabilitation remains a goal of imprisonment, accountability must come first.” Budhoo, affectionately known as “Aunty Dayo”, was remembered by neighbours as a quiet, humble woman who depended mainly on her pension and rarely troubled anyone. Residents described her as gentle and respectful, often seen sitting outside her home, greeting passers-by. Her murder shocked Tain Settlement and surrounding villages, with many residents describing the crime as one of the most disturbing incidents in the area’s recent history.