Sister and girlfriend of accused murderer behind bars
Two women were taken to court this morning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the rape and brutal murder of a Belize City single mother Sandra Ruiz, on August tenth. The two are related to Darrel Grant, who has already been arrested and charged with Ruiz’s murder. Police had the two women in custody since last Thursday and when they appeared in court today Grant’s sister, eighteen year old Samantha Grant of Gentle Avenue and his girlfriend, twenty-one year old Kayla Davis of Ladyville, were both charged with Handling Stolen Goods. Samantha was charged for dishonestly assisting in the retention of three gold coins, while Davis was accused of the retention of one gold chain and a Mexican medal belonging to Ruiz.
Ongoing police investigations led to the Fair Brothers Pawnshop on Youth for the Future Drive where the four gold chains had been pawned by Grant and Davis. Police then visited Davis’ home in Ladyville, where Darrel Grant was hiding at the time of his arrest, and Davis handed over the stolen medal. In court both pleaded not guilty, but the prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the investigation is not complete and that the defendants might interfere with the witnesses and obstruct the course of justice. The two women are to re-appear in court on September eighteenth.
While three are now behind bars in this murder case, Ruiz’s daughter, thirteen year old Nadia Ruiz, who witnessed the rape and murder of her mother is still recovering from the shocking experience. According to family members, her younger sister Ana is recovering at Belize Healthcare Partners. The eight year old girl has undergone two surgeries for head trauma, and while it doesn’t appear she will need anymore, doctors say she may need further medical attention from a neurological pediatrician abroad. The two sisters are grappling with the trauma of the gruesome events on the night of the murder and at this time returning to school is not a certainty for both. The family is contemplating whether the girls should relocate to Germany with their father.
