American National Remanded for Psychiatric Evaluation After Alleged Police Shooting

A 28-year-old American national accused of firing at police officers during a domestic dispute in the Lords Bank area has been remanded for a psychiatric evaluation after telling the court he does not understand the charges against him.  Darnae Agise Omar Garcia appeared this morning before the Chief Magistrate in Belize City, where the court declined to take a plea after Garcia repeatedly stated he could not comprehend the allegations read to him. Garcia also told the court that he has previously been diagnosed with a psychotic condition and admitted that he has not been taking prescribed medication since arriving in Belize in July 2025.  In light of those statements, the Chief Magistrate ordered that Garcia be remanded to Belize Central Prison until May 16, pending a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental fitness to stand trial. The court explained that a plea can only be recorded once the accused is deemed capable of understanding the proceedings.  Garcia faces a slate of serious charges stemming from a domestic incident and subsequent police response, including harm to his ex-girlfriend, Janesha Gentle; damage to government property; two counts of keeping a firearm without a licence; two counts of keeping ammunition without a licence; and three counts of attempted murder in relation to alleged shots fired at two police officers and Gentle.  Police allege that in the early hours of Sunday, officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in the Old Well Road area of Lords Bank. While attempting to detain Garcia for common assault, officers say he ran into his residence. Moments later, shots were allegedly fired at the police vehicle as officers were leaving the area with Gentle, causing damage to the government pickup.  A subsequent investigation led to Garcia’s arrest and the alleged recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition, including a 9mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, magazines, and assorted rounds, along with suspected cannabis.  During the arraignment, Garcia’s behaviour raised concerns, as he repeatedly said he did not understand the charges and made statements that prompted warnings from the court. His twin brother, Kafelie Garcia, appeared and informed the court that the family is willing to fund a private psychiatric assessment. The court indicated that such an order can be considered while Garcia remains in custody. Police records also indicate that Garcia has a pending firearm-related matter before the Corozal Magistrate’s Court and a prior common assault charge involving the same complainant, for which he is currently out on bail.