By Breaking Belize News Staff: Eugene Thompson says he lost his home, belongings and virtually everything he owned when fire destroyed his Belama Phase 5 residence just one day after he was ordered to leave the property amid a domestic dispute with Ashema Chang. Now, Chang has appeared before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court in connection with the dispute, but her arraignment was halted after the Chief Magistrate determined that she was not in a condition to enter a plea and ordered that she undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Chang, 25, was brought before Court #1 on Tuesday, September 22, on a charge stemming from the case. During the hearing, however, she reportedly identified herself as “Erica,” appeared uncertain about where she was living and gave responses that caused the Chief Magistrate to question whether she understood the proceedings.
The court therefore did not take a plea and ordered that Chang be evaluated before the matter proceeds.
The case is linked to the September 15 fire that completely destroyed Thompson’s home at #5217 Belama Phase 5. Thompson, 43, told police he had lived at the property for about five years and estimated the house alone at approximately $45,000, excluding appliances, tools and other belongings lost in the blaze. The house was not insured.
Thompson had been served with a protection order the previous day and said he complied with the court’s direction to leave the residence while Chang remained there. He later told police that, days before the fire, Chang had allegedly sent him a threatening voice message referring to the house being burned.
Police subsequently sought Chang for questioning and later detained her. According to the information provided in the court matter, she was charged with threat to damage property.
At Tuesday’s hearing, the Chief Magistrate questioned Chang about whether she had previously visited a clinic or taken medication. A sister who was present told the court that Chang had recently seen a doctor and had previously been prescribed medication, although she could not provide details.
The Chief Magistrate ordered Chang’s family to have her undergo a psychiatric evaluation and obtain information on her medical history before the case continues.
Rather than remanding her to prison, the court granted Chang bail of $300 plus one surety of the same amount. She met bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 13, 2026.
The cause of the September 15 fire has not been publicly established, and the allegations against Chang remain before the court.
The post Ashema Chang charged after allegedly burning down Eugene Thompson’s house and leaving him homeless; Court orders psychiatric evaluation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Eugene Thompson says he lost his home, belongings and virtually everything he owned when fire destroyed his Belama Phase 5 residence just one day after he was ordered to leave the property amid a domestic dispute with Ashema Chang. Now, Chang has appeared before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court in
The post Ashema Chang charged after allegedly burning down Eugene Thompson’s house and leaving him homeless; Court orders psychiatric evaluation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
