A 30-year-old miner, Francisco Sampson, known as “Junior,” has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison for the 2021 killing of fellow miner Eon Anthony Ramnarine, aged 38, at Obanna Backdam, Kurubrong, Potaro, Region Eight. The sentencing was handed down by Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif during a High Court hearing.
Sampson, formerly of Lot 35, Seventh Avenue, Bartica, was indicted for murder but accepted a plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter. The prosecution was led by State Counsel Caressa Henry and Fenton Budhram, while Sampson was represented by attorney L. N. Dindayal.
In her ruling, Justice Chandra-Hanif emphasized the seriousness of violent crime and the importance of accountability. She ordered that the time Sampson has already spent in custody be deducted from his overall sentence. Furthermore, the court directed that he participate in conflict resolution and rehabilitation programs, along with psychological counseling, before completing his sentence.
The court heard that on October 4, 2021, police received a report of a murder at a mining camp. Upon arrival, they encountered Sampson and his father. Sampson handed over a black-handled knife, the weapon he used to stab Ramnarine, and led officers to the location where the victim’s body was found, partially covered and exhibiting multiple stab wounds.
During his statement, Sampson claimed he acted in self-defense after Ramnarine struck him with a piece of wood. However, evidence presented in court revealed that Ramnarine sustained 11 incised wounds, including fatal stab wounds to the heart and lung, leading to his death.
A victim impact statement from Ewart Austin, Ramnarine’s father, conveyed the emotional and physical toll of the loss, describing his son as a dedicated provider and a great person.
Sampson expressed remorse during the court proceedings, stating, “I am really sorry for what happened—I didn’t expect it to happen like this. A life has been taken, and I want the family [of Ramnarine] to give me some forgiveness.”
Justice Chandra-Hanif’s decision to impose a lengthy sentence underscores the judicial system’s stance on violent crime while allowing for rehabilitation opportunities within the prison system.
