In a landmark ruling that balanced psychiatric considerations with public safety, the Barbados High Court has sentenced Ramario Antonio Roach to life imprisonment for the brutal killings of three individuals during a five-week period in 2018-2019. The now 24-year-old, who was 18 at the time of the crimes, will serve a minimum of 33 years before becoming eligible for release.
Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell delivered the sentence following Roach’s admission to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The court accepted psychiatric evidence indicating Roach suffers from schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, though the judge emphasized his retained awareness and responsibility during the commission of the crimes.
The victims included Tyrone Austin, 68, murdered on December 18, 2018; Roach’s own mother, Joanne Roach, killed between January 18-21, 2019; and American national Dr. Sarah Sutrina, 68, slain between January 20-22, 2019. Each killing demonstrated exceptional brutality, with the court detailing unprovoked attacks involving rocks, knives, and mutilation.
In her ruling, Justice Smith-Bovell noted the particular vulnerability of the victims and the calculated nature of the attacks, especially against Dr. Sutrina whom Roach had surveilled and ambushed. The judge referenced psychiatric testimony indicating Roach’s conscious refusal to take medication and his high risk of reoffending.
Despite the defendant’s last-minute apology and plea for mercy, the court prioritized societal protection. After accounting for time served and guilty pleas, the final sentence mandates concurrent life terms with varying tariffs: 16 years for Austin’s death, 23 years for his mother’s killing, and 33 years for Dr. Sutrina’s murder.
The court additionally ordered Roach to participate in rehabilitation programs focusing on academic development, vocational skills, and intensive psychotherapy during his incarceration.
The prosecution was led by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC, while Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim represented the defendant in proceedings that have gripped the Caribbean nation.