Belmopan Says Goodbye to Jon, Vivian and David, As Triple Homicide Investigation Continues
There was a memorial service in Belmopan today for victims of the New Year’s Eve triple homicide. The lives of Jon, Vivian, and David Ramnarace were celebrated by a congregation of family, friends and work colleagues on the Hilltop Basketball Court. There was not a single dry eye at the event, as those close to the deceased took turns to share fond memories from the podium. Calls for justice resounded throughout the memorial service and that is exactly what the Belize Police Department is hoping to deliver, as investigators continue to look back at that dreadful night. There is nothing official as yet to indicate why the family was targeted, or who wanted them dead. But, police believe that they have their main suspect behind bars at this time. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on today’s memorial service, as he takes a look at how the investigation into this triple homicide has been developing. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
New Year’s Eve 2022 will forever be remembered as a horrific night for the Belisle and Ramnarace families. It was on that night that a lone gunman entered the property of husband and wife, Jon and Vivian Ramnarace, with the intent to kill. In carrying out his objective, the perpetrator executed Jon and his brother David Ramnarace, before shooting Vivian and an in-law. Vivian survived the attack that night, but unfortunately passed away fifteen days later. She fought to live long enough to identify the perpetrator. During those two weeks, Vivian wrote these touching words her sister recited during their memorial service this morning in Belmopan.
Vannia Belise
Vannia Belise, Sister of Vivian
“Before Viv passed away, she wrote this for John and Mikey, my love, January second 2023 would have made fifteen years together, fifteen years since we first started dating, fifteen years from our first kiss. I wouldn’t know that we would fall in love so quickly. After one week we said I love you and by the end of January 2008 we both knew that we would marry. Our love was passionate, our love was up and down, our love was playful, but more so you were my best friend. There is no greater relationship than one based on love and friendship. Jon, thank you for the past fifteen years. Thank you for the memories and experiences. I will always love you Jon and I will try my best with Kait-lyn to ensure she always remembers you and Mikey.”
Vashti Belisle
Remarks from friends and colleagues of the deceased at today’s memorial service made the event an even more somber one. It became quite evident that their impact stretched far beyond the boundaries of their small community. From all accounts, Jon, David and Vivian had envisioned a future filled with life and purpose, up until the time of their passing.
Vashti Belisle, Sister of Vivian
“To Jon, my son-in-law thank you for loving my daughter and for giving us Kait-lyn, you were an exceptional father to her. To Mikey, thank you for being an extraordinary uncle to Kait-lyn. Vivian, Jon, and Mikey, we will miss you all so very much. Justice fih Vivian, Jon, and Mikey. And, we nuh wah rest until we get justice.”
And, while family and friends have laid their loved ones to rest, many questions remain unanswered. What was the motive behind the deadly attack? Why were Jon, David, Vivian and Yemi Alberto pounced upon in cold blood by the vicious killer? And, did the alleged suspect, Police Corporal Elmer Nah, actually carry out these murders? A number of speculations as to the motive has been raised, but even the family remains at a loss, as Vivian’s cousin, Pastor Deon Pascasio, told Plus News last week.
Deon Pascasio
Deon Pascasio, Relative of Vivian Ramnarace
“The family is at a loss. To date there is a lot of speculations and stories going around, but nothing concrete has come forward as a motive. It is troubling for us, because even Vivian herself she remained conscious all this while and even in her discussion Vivian could not come up and put her finger on anything to say that this was the motive behind it. And, the entire family, we are at a loss. Vivian died not knowing what motive there was you know.”
As questions continue to mount, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has not publicly divulged any conclusive findings.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“As I said before in an interview last week. There are many things that we have done and are doing that we will not say to the public in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the case and to ensure that the lives of witnesses or potential witnesses is not put at risk.”
As for the accused, he maintains his innocence in this shocking crime. On the day of his arraignment in Belmopan, Elmer Nah, under heavy police guard, garnered a great deal of attention when he publicly declared that he was being wrongfully accused.
Elmer Nah
And presently, his uncle, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Marco Vidal, is facing heavy public criticism after venturing on his own fact finding mission in Belmopan, reportedly to corroborate Nah’s alibi. On the other hand, investigators are confident in their arrest. The former police corporal, turned accused murderer, remains on remand at the Belize Central Prison as investigators continue to probe.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: January 3rd 2023)
“Like I said, we recorded statements from a number of witnesses and he was identified in those statements. That is the reason why we have been able to levy charges.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
