Second Case of Unprovoked Attacks by Mentally Challenged Individuals

A second case of unprovoked violence involving a mentally challenged individual has been reported, this time in Belmopan.

The latest incident occurred in Belmopan on Tuesday, February 10, when a 10‑year‑old boy was struck in the face near the bus terminal while waiting with his mother for the evening bus. The boy and his mother were exiting a shop when a man, who had earlier been refused a cigarette, returned and struck the child, knocking him unconscious, based on surveillance footage.

This follows a previous case in Belize City where a man believed to be mentally ill was detained in connection with two separate attacks on women, including one on Christmas Day. In that incident, surveillance footage showed the suspect striking victims near the Michael Finnegan Market and on Orange Street. 

The suspect in Belmopan has not been apprehended, raising renewed concerns about public safety and attacks involving individuals with mental health challenges.