Sandra Ruiz

According to a police report, they received a call of a home invasion at #5664 Meighan Avenue. A team was dispatched there and one was sent to t he KHMH, where the daughter and mother had been transported. They observed that Sandra Ruiz had bruises and cut wounds to her head and Ana had two cut wounds in the center of her head.

Initial investigations revealed that Sandra was inside the home with her two daughters, 8 year old Ana and 13 year old Nadia Prado when a dark-skinned male person with afro-like hair, dressed in full white, entered the house. Nadia was in the bathroom, and saw when the man immediately attacked her mother. She locked the door and hid inside, and as soon as she had the chance ran outside and screamed for help. By that time both Sandra and Ana were lying in pools of blood on the floor. Neighbours responded to the screams for help in time to catch a quick glimpse of the killer’s back as he slipped away, and in time to transport Sandra Ruiz and her daughter to the hospital.

Less than 24 hours later, Police had detained the man they say is the killer. That man, 22 year old Darrel Grant, lived just across the street from the murdered Sandra Ruiz, at the corner of Gentle and Meighan Avenues. Authorities credit community cooperation for the quick arrest. Grant was picked up at a home in Ladyville, and Police found several items including a gold chain belonging to Ruiz in his position.

Darrel Grant

Grant appeared in front of Senior Magistrate Dorothy Flowers on Tuesday, August 12th when he was charged with one count of murder, one count each of attempted murder, dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm and aggravated burglary. No plea was taken and Grant was remanded to Hattieville Prison.

As we go to press tonight, 8 year old Ana Ruiz is still at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Thirteen year old Nadia Prado is reportedly still traumatized by the attack which she witnessed.