Death sentence for youth who murdered US-based businesswoman

A 25-year-old man was on Thursday sentenced to death for the murder of 45-year-old United States-based Guyanese businesswoman Samantha Benjamin, whose dismembered body was found at the Buxton Seawalls, East Coast Demerara in 2015.

Imran Ramsaywack also known as ‘Kevin Jones’, ‘Coolie Boy’ or ‘Ramsa’ Lot 7, Adelphi Village East Canje, Berbice was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon moments after a 12-member jury found him guilty.

He was convicted of murdering the woman between March 25-26, 2015.

Ramsaywack was represented by Ravindra Mohabir while the State was represented by prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore.

The Judge stated that he found no mitigating factors and noted that Benjamin’s death was a “cold, bloodied, calculated robbery with escalated into murder.”

Justice Kissoon also considered the violence that was inflicted onto Benjamin along with the efforts of Ramsaywack to dispose of her dismembered body.

Justice Kissoon told Ramsaywack that he is unfit to dwell in society among civilised citizens.

Benjamin’s relatives who were in court broke down in tears and said justice has been served.

Benjamin, a United States citizen, was the proprietor of a boutique in the Vendor’s Mall on Water Street.

Her dismembered body was found at the foreshore on the morning of March 26. The head, legs and arms were found later at the foreshore after the water receded.