Thirty-two-year old Rayan Van Lange who initially plead not guilty to murdering his cousin-in-law changed his plea to guilty moments before the commencement of the murder trial earlier today (Thursday).
He was accused of stabbing to death his cousin’s husband Jason Ramatar, 24, on May 31, 2015 at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara.
A 12-member mixed jury was on Monday empanelled to hear the case in which eight witnesses were expected to testify.
In court today, Van Lange agreed with State Prosecutors who contended that after his wife’s birthday celebration, while under the influence of alcohol, the accused stabbed Ramatar four times with a knife following an argument.
Minutes before Justice Navindra Singh gave his ruling, the accused with tears trickling down his eyes begged the court for mercy, telling Ramatar’s relatives that words cannot express how sorry he was for what happened.
Justice Singh however – indicated that the accused must be punished as a life was lost- sentenced Van Lange to 9 years in prison with deductions for time spent on remand.
Reacting to the ruling, Lisa Edwards feels the sentence is not sufficient for her brother’s murder, noting that Ramatar’s son still asks for his father. The young man’s wife was also pregnant with another child.
Ramatar’s mother did not attend today’s sentencing.
The young man died from shock and hemorrhaging due to four incised wounds.
Rayan Van Lange was represented by defence counsel Mark Conway.
