This afternoon, 35-year-old Frederick Wagner was formally arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate's Court for the murder of his girlfriend, 61-year-old Dawn Bernard, who succumbed to severe burn injuries six days after she was allegedly set on fire.
Wagner, who appeared unrepresented, was read a single count of murder for the fatal November 10th incident at Bernard's Lakeview Street home. But during the arraignment, Wagner initially told the court, "I don't understand what I am charged for. I don't understand the charge." Magistrate Dennison then explained the allegation in simple terms, after which Wagner indicated he understood.
Wagner was remanded to Prison until January 26, 2026.
A post-mortem examination conducted on November 24th determined that Bernard died from her extensive burn injuries.
At the hospital, Bernard told police that it was her common law who did it. She stated that he sprayed rubbing alcohol on her face and lit her on fire with a lighter.
