Darrell Grant receives fixed 30-year sentence for 2008 murder of Sandra Ruiz

By Breaking Belize News Staff: On Thursday, Darrell Grant, previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Sandra Ruiz in 2008, was handed a fixed 30-year sentence without the possibility of parole until serving the full term. Justice Nigel Pilgrim delivered the sentence at Grant’s resentencing.

In the Kings Park area home invasion on August 10, 2008, Grant sexually assaulted and fatally attacked Ruiz with a hammer. Ruiz’s six-year-old daughter was also assaulted, leaving her in a coma for 10 days.

Ruiz’s eldest daughter, who witnessed the invasion, described the traumatic events in court and the lasting impact on her family. She detailed the haunting memory of her mother’s blood and the loss of her sense of safety.

Justice Pilgrim considered several aggravating factors, including the violent nature of the crime, Grant’s intent, and the invasion of Ruiz’s home. He highlighted the lasting trauma experienced by Ruiz’s family, reading out emotional victim impact statements.

Grant contested the murder charge, claiming coercion by the police. However, Justice Pilgrim found no mitigating factors in Grant’s trial. Grant’s initial term was set at 33 years, with one year added for aggravating factors and three years deducted for mitigating factors, such as his participation in rehabilitation programs and good character references.

On November 17, 2010, Grant was found guilty by a unanimous verdict from a 12-person jury. Two days after his arrest, he was found wearing Ruiz’s chain.

The fixed 30-year sentence will take effect from August 12, 2008, marking 15 years since the crime.

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