Man sentenced to life in prison for robbery, murder of Williamsburg businessman

Satesh Ramnarace, a resident of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for murdering a businessman during a robbery.

Ramnarace pleaded guilty to the murder of Akbhar Sain during the course of a robbery that occurred on October 18, 2023, at Williamsburg Village.

During the sentencing hearing, the probation officer noted that community interviews indicated Ramnarace was generally a helpful person. The officer added that inquiries at Rose Hall Town Police Station and the New Amsterdam Prison showed no prior criminal records for Ramnarace.

She mentioned that Ramnarace told her he was facing financial difficulties, which led him to steal from Sain’s supermarket.

Doctor Meenawattie Rajkumar, a forensic psychiatrist, informed the court that Ramnarace was evaluated on February 11, 2026, and appeared strong and cooperative, with an understanding of the evaluation’s nature. According to Dr. Rajkumar, Ramnarace was treated for a depressive disorder and remains stable. However, she recommended ongoing psychiatric care.

When Justice Kumar-Chetty asked Ramnarace if he had anything to say, he expressed remorse and pleaded for mercy.

Before delivering the sentence, Justice Kumar-Chetty highlighted the serious nature of the offense, noting that the crime involved unlawful entry into the victim’s home and business with intent to steal. She pointed out that the victim was a 69-year-old man, vulnerable and subjected to forceful blows to the head, which caused fatal injuries.

Justice Kumar-Chetty observed that the defendant left the victim bleeding and continued the robbery, showing great callousness. The injuries, including skull fractures and exposed brain tissue, demonstrated the brutality used.

The judge emphasised that such crimes threaten community safety, especially among small business owners. She acknowledged that while the crime was not premeditated, this lack of planning did not lessen its severity.

The court considered mitigating factors, such as the accused’s acceptance of responsibility by pleading guilty early, thus sparing the family a trial.

Justice Kumar-Chetty stated that the defendant showed genuine remorse, explaining his actions were driven by the need to support his children, and he sincerely apologised, pleading for mercy so he could return to his family.

In conclusion, the court reaffirmed the gravity of the offense, noting that robbery combined with violence resulting in death is among the most serious crimes.

Having weighed all factors, the judge found that, despite the seriousness of the offense, the remorse shown and the defendant’s circumstances warrant the minimum sentence allowed by law.

Immediately after sentencing, imposing the life sentence, Justice Kumar-Chetty announced that the accused would serve at least 20 years before becoming eligible for parole.