Competency hearing for woman accused of maiming son delayed until October

Posted: Monday, July 7, 2025. 3:38 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: The long-awaited competency hearing for 38-year-old Natalie Palacio, the woman accused of maiming her 7-year-old son in a shocking 2022 incident, has been postponed until October 1, 2025.

Palacio appeared before Justice Candace Nanton last week, but the hearing was adjourned after it was revealed that the medical doctor slated to testify on her mental fitness will not be available until then.

During a Case Management Conference, Justice Nanton ruled that a fitness trial is necessary to determine whether Palacio is competent to stand trial. A jury of nine will be empaneled in October to assess her mental capacity to understand and participate in court proceedings. Their decision will determine whether her case proceeds to trial in the High Court.

Palacio, who is believed to be mentally challenged, was first charged in April 2022 with maim. The charge stems from an incident reported to have occurred on February 14, 2022, in Mahogany Heights Village, where she allegedly attacked her then-7-year-old son with a knife, causing injury to his face and hand. The boy, who was in her care at the time, has reportedly suffered partial loss of vision in his left eye due to the assault.

According to the child’s father, who accompanied him to the police station on March 2, 2022, the boy continued to complain of pain and diminished vision weeks after the attack, prompting further medical treatment at the Belmopan Hospital.

Palacio remains out on bail and has been consistently accompanied to court by her mother since her initial arraignment.

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The post Competency hearing for woman accused of maiming son delayed until October appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Monday, July 7, 2025. 3:38 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: The long-awaited competency hearing for 38-year-old Natalie Palacio, the woman accused of maiming
The post Competency hearing for woman accused of maiming son delayed until October appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.