Teacher who killed his parents to spend seven more years in prison

Portmore resident Simeon Ramsay, who pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter arising from the killing of his parents three years ago, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment on each count in the St Catherine Circuit Court on Thursday.

Ramsay, who is a teacher, stabbed to death 69-year-old minister of religion , Cecil Ramsay, and 55-year-old Phyllis Ramsay, former Vice Principal of St Andrew Preparatory School, on February 4, 2022.

When Ramsay appeared before Justice Bertram Morrison, defence attorney Tom Tavares-Finson, outlined the mental state of his client when he committed the offence. Ramsay reportedly suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Tavares-Finson told the court that the social enquiry, the antecedent and community reports all show that Ramsay acted out of character.

Justice Morrison said that he agreed that due to his mental state at the time, which was reflected in the psychiatric reports, plus the three years spent in jail it was reasonable to impose the seven-year sentences.

The judge also warned that Ramsay must take his medication during his incarceration.

Ramsay pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to two counts of manslaughter on November 6, 2023.

The court was told that on February 4, 2022, Ramsay visited the home of his parents in Christian Meadows, Portmore, St Catherine, where he used a knife to stab them both to death.

He then drove away in his mother's Toyota Axio motor car, which he crashed in Dunbeholden, St Catherine.

He was held and subsequently charged with murder.

- Rasbert Turner

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