Central Couple Appears In Court — Charged With Murder of Shayanna Ruiz

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A Chaguanas man and his 18-year-old girlfriend have appeared before a Master of the High Court, charged with the murder of 25-year-old Shayanna Ruiz, which occurred on 29th July, 2026, in the Central Division.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), 25-year-old Darian Phillip of Edinburgh 500 and 18-year-old Daniella Connell of Crown Trace, Enterprise, were charged with the offence when they appeared before Master Tracey Vidale, in the North Criminal Court B, on Thursday 6th August, 2026.

The matter was adjourned to 8th October, 2026 for a Status Hearing, with a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for 13th April, 2027. 

Ruiz, of Diego Martin, had reportedly proceeded to the home of a man she knows, on 29th July, 2026. During her visit, it is alleged that a heated argument ensued between them over money. A female, who was present at the residence, also reportedly became involved in the argument, during which she allegedly armed herself with a knife and inflicted several stab wounds to the left side of the victim’s body, causing injuries. 

The man and woman subsequently fled the scene, while the victim was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mount Hope for emergency medical attention, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The TTPS said a male and female suspect were arrested in connection with the matter on 31st July, 2026. 

Investigations were supervised by Supt. Steve Persad and led by Insp. Teeluck and a team of detectives who assisted WPC La Rode, all of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region III.

Phillip and Connell were charged by WPC La Rode on Wednesday 5th August, 2026, following advice received from Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anju Bhola, on that same date.

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