By Aaron Humes: Former Police Corporal Elmer Nah, 40, has been called to answer charges involving three counts of murder. This morning, High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim overruled Nah’s no case submission presented by attorney Lynden Jones, directing the defense to present its case.
Opting for a dock statement, rather than going on the witness stand or remaining silent, Nah maintained his stance of innocence, echoing what some legal circles call ‘the Shaggy defense’: “It wasn’t me.” He forwent calling any alibi witnesses despite maintaining that he was at home with his family and therefore not near the murder scene.
Jones told court reporter Anita Nembhard after the hearing that Nah had already testified from the witness stand during the voir dire testing key prosecution evidence, and his evidence in that regard is part of the record, so it was not necessary to take the stand again where he would be cross-examined by Crown Special Prosecutor Terrence Williams had he done so.
Nah’s defense hinges on various pieces of evidence. He pointed out crucial discrepancies, including the absence of a tattoo on the right hand of the alleged shooter, contrasting with his own tattoo, which he claims was acquired in Belize City on October 31, 2003, well before the murder incidents took place. Additionally, he highlighted a discrepancy in the shoes presented by the prosecution, noting that his own boots were black and orange, whereas the prosecution provided all-black footwear.
Moreover, Nah questioned the missing chip that he claims forms the foundation of the prosecution’s case, calling into question the reliability of their evidence. He emphasized, “It is the duty of the state to assist in having a fair trial and to provide true justice based on the truth and not on speculation.”
In his statement, Nah alleged that he and his family attempted to procure expert assistance for video enhancement that might reveal the true perpetrator, but financial constraints hindered their efforts. He urged the court to take these factors into consideration, asserting that justice should be pursued based on factual evidence rather than conjecture.
The prosecution’s case, as presented to Justice Pilgrim during the voir dire, includes statements from key witnesses, particularly Vivian Ramnarace, alongside physical evidence such as shoes allegedly found in Nah’s vehicle. Williams said he would make his response in his submissions to the court.
The trial has been adjourned until March 13, when oral submissions will be made by both the Crown and the defense. Justice Pilgrim mandated that written submissions for closing arguments be filed by February 24, with the Crown’s closing arguments due by March 10.
The post Elmer Nah denies murder charges after no-case submission refused: ‘It wasn’t me’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: Former Police Corporal Elmer Nah, 40, has been called to answer charges involving three counts of murder. This morning, High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim overruled Nah’s no case submission presented by attorney Lynden Jones, directing the defense to present its case. Opting for a dock statement, rather than going on the witness
The post Elmer Nah denies murder charges after no-case submission refused: ‘It wasn’t me’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
