Thirty-seven-year-old Harold Palma, a mentally ill man, again could not be arraigned today at the Belize City Magistrate's Court after his disruptive behavior prevented the charge from being read or a plea taken. Palma, who appeared naked in his holding cell on New Year's Eve, was brought before the court around 10:00 a.m. During proceedings, he identified himself by name and age and stated he is a Honduran who has lived in Belize since age 11. He told the court he has no fixed address. Palma repeatedly interrupted the magistrate, used profane language, and made incoherent statements, including saying he smokes crack cocaine, engages in gang activity, and wanted to return to prison, which he referred to as "home."
Due to his conduct and apparent mental state, the sitting magistrate ordered that Palma be remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending a psychiatric evaluation. As a result, no plea was taken and the charge was not formally read. He is scheduled to return to court on March 23, 2026, pending the outcome of the psychiatric report.
Palma is accused of aggravated assault upon Police Constable Alleyia Wade.
