The long-anticipated trial of former police officer Elmer Nah officially began today at the Supreme Court in Belize City under a heavy police presence. The case, which has drawn national attention, is unfolding under heightened tension both inside and outside the courtroom.
Video of Nah shows him being escorted into the courtroom under heavy police guard.
Last week the court moved into voir dire—a trial within a trial—starting with the admissibility of a statement made by Vivian Ramnarace, one of the key elements of the prosecution’s case. A second voir dire on video evidence from the night of the fatal shooting is scheduled to follow.
Nah’s sole defence attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, requested that these preliminary hearings be held behind closed doors, citing serious safety concerns, including death threats allegedly made against him during earlier stages of the case. However, Justice Nigel Pilgrim denied the request. He said that the court has sufficient security in place and reaffirmed the principle of open justice, particularly in a matter of such public significance.
Nah is charged with the execution-style murders of three members of the Ramnarace family in Belmopan during a horrific shooting in December 2022.