24 Years Jail for Businessman Who Murdered Ex-Wife

March 18 2025- Ryan Sugrim, 44, was sentenced to 24 years in prison on Tuesday for the brutal 2019 murder of his ex-wife, Zaila Sugrim, following his guilty plea in the High Court two weeks ago.

Justice Damone Younge, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, the use of a weapon, the prevalence of domestic violence, and the gruesome nature of the murder. She also considered the devastating impact on the couple’s five children, noting that one of them has already exhibited behavioral problems and has had encounters with the police—issues that the child’s aunt attributed to the violence he witnessed at home.

At his sentencing, Sugrim expressed remorse for his actions, apologizing to Zaila’s family and friends. His attorney, Dexter Smartt, acknowledged the history of domestic violence allegations, though none had led to convictions before the murder.

Among those present in court was Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who at the time was the attorney who had helped Zaila leave the abusive relationship.

Speaking after the sentencing, Manickchand lamented that despite taking all the right steps—seeking protection, leaving the marriage, and finding shelter—Zaila still fell victim to domestic violence.

She urged families not to enable abusers, emphasizing that early intervention might have saved Zaila’s life.

She stated that maybe if someone had stopped him from continuing the abuse, he would not have been in this situation.

Manickchand called for societal responsibility, urging both men and women to take firm stances against abuse, noting that women in abusive relationships must prioritize their safety and their children’s well-being over the hope that an abuser will change. Everyone must play their part in ensuring justice for victims like Zaila.

A History of Abuse and a Tragic End

Sugrim and Zaila were together for 17 years, but their marriage ended after one year due to persistent domestic abuse.

On May 11, 2019, Zaila visited her ex-husband’s home in Crane, West Coast Demerara, to see her children on their son’s birthday. However, an argument erupted, reportedly after she confronted Sugrim over suspicious numbers in his phone.

According to Sugrim’s statement to police, the altercation escalated when Zaila allegedly grabbed his firearm and threatened him. In his account, a struggle ensued, during which the gun discharged, striking her in the face and killing her instantly. Instead of reporting the incident, Sugrim attempted to cover up the crime.

That night, after checking on his children, he dragged Zaila’s body to the back of his gas station, doused it with kerosene, and set it on fire using old tires. When a neighbor noticed the flames and called the fire service, Sugrim lied, saying he was just burning garbage.

Once the fire subsided, he dug a shallow grave and buried her charred remains in his backyard. To prevent his children from discovering the crime, he warned them not to go near the garden, falsely claiming there was a dangerous African bee nest there.

On May 12, 2019, Mother’s Day, Zaila’s children began asking for their mother, but Sugrim insisted she had changed her plans. By May 13, concern over her disappearance had grown.

Police, acting on a tip, searched Sugrim’s home. They initially found nothing suspicious, but upon digging in the backyard, they unearthed human remains, confirming their worst fears. DNA testing in Florida later verified that the burned body was indeed Zaila’s.

Authorities also found bloodstains in Sugrim’s car and missing CCTV footage from his gas station, suggesting he had attempted to erase evidence.

When confronted, Sugrim showed no remorse, initially responding, “Is stress caused this thing.”