By Breaking Belize News Staff: The arraignment of a 27-year-old man accused of violently assaulting two women in separate incidents in downtown Belize City was halted on Monday after the court raised concerns about his mental state.
Kareem Anderson, also known as “Blacker,” was brought before the Chief Magistrate at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, but no charges were read and no plea was taken. The court instead ordered that Anderson undergo a psychiatric evaluation, citing uncertainty about his fitness to stand trial.
As a result, Anderson was remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending the outcome of the evaluation. He is scheduled to remain on remand until March 26, 2026.
Police intend to charge Anderson with common assault in relation to 69-year-old Barbara Austin and harm in relation to sanitation worker Kendra Hamilton. However, neither charge could be formally read due to the court’s determination that his mental status must first be assessed.
Anderson is believed to be the individual captured in viral surveillance footage showing two unprovoked attacks on women. In the first incident, Hamilton was seen sweeping a street when she was punched from behind, causing her to fall to the ground. In the second, Austin—identified as a senior citizen and the mother of a senior magistrate—was walking along a sidewalk when she was struck in the face, falling heavily and appearing to lose consciousness after hitting the pavement.
Relatives of Anderson, who spoke to reporters outside the courtroom, said the man seen in the videos does not reflect the Kareem they have known for years. His sister, Monique Dennison, told reporters that her brother was once quiet, calm, and non-violent, and that his behavior changed dramatically following the death of their father eight years ago, when Anderson was about 19.
According to Dennison, Anderson later received an injection during a clinic visit, after which his condition worsened. She said he stopped bathing, eating, and speaking regularly, often leaving home at odd hours and sometimes sleeping in abandoned buildings. The family said they have no formal documentation of a mental health diagnosis.
In court, Anderson appeared calm and responded when asked his name and date of birth, stating he was born on March 16, 1996. Despite this, the Chief Magistrate was not satisfied that he was of sound mind after questioning his stepfather about his care, medical history, and current condition.
While Anderson’s relatives acknowledged that what occurred was wrong, they appealed to the public not to condemn him. “He needs help,” Dennison said, urging Belizeans to withhold judgment as the matter proceeds through the legal and medical process.
Anderson was escorted to court under heavy security, including handcuffs and waist shackles, and remains in custody as authorities await the results of the psychiatric evaluation.
The post Arraignment halted for man who punched down 2 women unprovoked as Court orders psych evaluation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The arraignment of a 27-year-old man accused of violently assaulting two women in separate incidents in downtown Belize City was halted on Monday after the court raised concerns about his mental state. Kareem Anderson, also known as “Blacker,” was brought before the Chief Magistrate at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court,
The post Arraignment halted for man who punched down 2 women unprovoked as Court orders psych evaluation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.