How much longer will the Skeen family wait for a final verdict and a closing to a case that has haunted them for more than a decade?
In 2012, Jared Ranguy allegedly killed his mother, sister, and step-father while they slept inside the Ladyville home that they all shared. But more than a decade later, just has eluded the family while Ranguy remains on remand.
Rene Skeen, the brother of murder victim Karen Skeen gave us an update on the case today on Sunup on 7:
Rene Skeen, Brother of Deceased, Karen Skeen
"We want to update, it's been like you said almost 11 years ago, November 25th will make it 11 years. And people are asking what's happening with this case. The last time I was here with Jules we kinda gave an update. I think it was like two or three months ago, but much has transpired since."
"So this is why we are here, us as the family, we want closure. We want justice for my sister Karen, Teena, my niece and my brother-in-law her husband Robert."
"Seventeen times, we've been to the court seventeen times, been through seven attorneys and two judges. I think two or three but, I think its 2 judges so far, and just to go and, it's like okay. We are going to get it over with this time, and okay, it's been thrown out because something happens. And then the family got to go back to their respective place of residence. Some of us live in the US and start planning again to come back just for this. This is our vacation to come to Belize for court you know so that's where we are."
Countless flights and court trips later, the family's plea for justice continues to echo with no resolution to the case. In March of this year Ranguy fired his last attorney, O.J Elrington, and hired Godfrey Smith, creating an additional delay in the trial, after Smith requested for 3 months to prepare for the case. According to Rene Skeen, Smith requested an extension, and another three months was given. This has led the family to believe that Ranguy is manipulating the justice system to his advantage: firing attorneys, prolonging the trial and denying the family the justice it needs for closure:
Rene Skeen, Brother of Deceased, Karen Skeen
"You know what at this point we can't look at as he's a family member. There's a saying that if you can't do the time don't do the crime. and hence the reason the family, just want justice. and if you asked us if we are prepared for the outcome, whatever outcome we are prepared but we just want an outcome for this."
"Yes he's a family member. People also ask us can you forgive him? At this point what can I say? I can't. I'm talking about now, me Rene Skeen, but one day I hope that I can. You understand what I'm saying?"
"The way I look at it or my family look at it the justice system they are doing their part it's just to me him manipulating the justice system and it's working in his favour."
"We want justice we want, if you ask me I want him to spend the rest of his life in prison but then that's just me the justice will have to do what they have to do."
Jared Ranguy is expected to appear back in court on October 10th.
