Trial Begins for Officer Accused of Hiding Gun in Shooting Case

The trial of interdicted police officer, Herman Shaquille Ramos, for the offense of perverting the course of justice commenced today before Justice Derick Sylvester in the High Court. A jury of nine persons, four women and five men, will decide Ramos’s fate. The prosecution alleges that on October 28, 2022, in Belize City, Ramos acted to pervert the course of justice by removing a black 9mm pistol from a Toyota Sienna van. The licensed firearm belonged to taxi driver Mervin Elvis Domingo. The Crown contends that Domingo was driving the van after leaving a nightclub when he discharged the firearm in the vicinity. Domingo subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of discharging a firearm. However, the prosecution emphasizes that this case focuses on the events that transpired after Domingo fired the shots. According to the Crown, police were alerted to the vehicle and intercepted it. PC Ramos, who was off-duty at the time, approached the vehicle and spoke with Domingo. He then reached under the driver’s seat, retrieved a gun, and concealed it. This act, the prosecution argues, constitutes perverting the course of justice. The Crown called its first witness, a female who was working at nightclub at the time of the incident. She testified that she was inside the taxi when shots were fired. The vehicle was then stopped by police, and PC Ramos, whom she recognized from his work at the club, approached the vehicle. She stated that she saw Ramos speak with the driver and then retrieve what appeared to be a firearm from under the driver’s seat. The case will continue tomorrow before Justice Derick Sylvester. The Crown intends to conclude its case by the end of tomorrow, after which the defense will present its arguments. PC Ramos, who is represented by Attorney Bryan Neal, remains out on bail granted by the lower court.