Stabbing and Robbery Case Against Two Belize City Men Dismissed for Lack of Prosecution

Two Belize City men accused of stabbing and robbing a High Court Clerk are now free. Thirty-one-year-old Burton Claire and 22-year-old Kareem Allen had all charges against them dismissed this morning for want of prosecution. Claire and Allen appeared in court shortly after 10 a.m. Their trial was scheduled to begin, but the prosecutor informed the court that they could not locate the complainant. Despite his attorney’s absence, Claire asked the court to dismiss the case. He stated that a previous magistrate had assured them the case would be dismissed if the complainant did not appear. The case was stood down for 45 minutes before a magistrate dismissed all charges. Claire and Allen were originally accused of the August 4th stabbing and robbery of clerk Deannie Requena. Requena reported that she was beaten and stabbed multiple times. Claire was charged with use of deadly means of harm with a weapon and wounding. Allen was charged with aggravated assault and theft. Outside the courthouse, Claire and Allen said they were happy to be free. Claire maintained their innocence, stating the complainant made a false statement and then didn’t show up to court. Allen said the money police allegedly found on him was his own and not from the robbery.