Paul Lopez Monte-de-Ramos, 38, was strangled to death and stabbed in the early morning hours of April 14, 1987, in a Sherbourne Street apartment. Previously, Monte-de-Ramos had lived with his killer.
James Douglas Brenn, 26, of no fixed address, was charged with first degree murder. Brenn pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the Crown refused the plea bargain. Crown prosecutor Sarah Welch said Brenn had planned the murder, and that Monte-de-Ramos’s death “was not a quick one.” She estimated it took Brenn 15 minutes to strangle Monte-de-Ramos, who bled from the mouth and nose during the struggle.
After manually strangling Monte-de-Ramos, Brenn wrapped a towel around his neck, dragged him to a sink and stabbed him 29 times in the chest and abdomen. Brenn fled the scene with Monte-de-Ramos’s credit cards and used them to make purchases.
Brenn confessed to his sister, and she called police about where they would find Monte-de-Ramos. Brenn told her Monte-de-Ramos was “a parasite who was living on borrowed time.” She told police they would find a note on the door. Police located a note which read “Be back May 3/87, Paul.” It had Brenn’s fingerprints on it.
Brenn was arrested at the bus depot as he was attempting to flee to Montreal.
During the trial, Brenn blamed Monte-de-Ramos for coming on to him. He said he was in a “homosexual panic” which caused him to strangle and stab Monte-de-Ramos. Psychiatrist Dr. Robert Hill said he believed Brenn was a psychopath who reacted violently and impulsively, and who showed no remorse for his crime. He said Brenn could kill again because “that’s what he wants to do.”
Prosecutor Sarah Welch said Brenn felt a sense of satisfaction and perhaps even sexual arousal, killing Monte-de-Ramos. He was found guilty of second-degree murder.
On November 17, 1988, Brenn was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 14 years.
Murder Village Map
Vital Statistics
Name: Paul Lopez Monte-de-Ramos
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Date of Death: April 14, 1987
Manner of Death: Strangled and stabbed
Location: 251 Sherbourne Street
Suspect Name: James Douglas Brenn
Conviction & Sentence: Second-degree murder, life in prison with no chance of parole for 14 years
First of all, may I express my profound sorrow over Paul’s death at the hands of my brother.
After all these years, Jimmy remains in prison. In all likelihood, he may never get out.
I have reached out to my brother over the decades, but he remains ‘silent’ .
Last year I learned Jimmy was transferred from a NB prison to NS for a heart procedure. Where Jimmy is now, only CSC knows.
On behalf of the Brenn family, I ask for your forgiveness.
I only just stumbled on your site trying to find Jimmy again.
David, thank you for your words. Sometimes, family members of victims come to this site, and hopefully if Paul’s does, they will find some comfort in your words.
Hello Lee,
David Brenn contacting you once again. I located my brother in Dorchester Pen, NB.
Jim is 61 and I am 71 today with both our healths failing. The Warden has granted Jim and I a special visit so I expect to drive down in the next few weeks to see him.
Reconciliation is a word we hear all the time these days. Putting action to this word is what I desire for all parties, wherever and whenever possible. Jim and I need this, as do we all.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 may help us all.
Lee, if you are aware of those who may have forgiven, or are struggling to forgive Jim, I offer myself as a testimony of how difficult it is. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. On the cross, Jesus said,” Father, forgive them………………..”