By Breaking Belize News Staff: The High Court is still grappling with the case of Shedrack White, a man accused of murder who was declared mentally unfit to stand trial more than two years ago, after it emerged that court-ordered psychiatric evaluations were never conducted as required.
White appeared before Justice Candace Nanton on Friday, represented by attorney Norman Rodriguez, as the court sought to determine his current mental fitness and whether he should remain at the Belize Central Prison or be placed elsewhere.
In February 2024, Justice Nanton ruled that White was unfit to stand trial after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The court ordered that he receive appropriate treatment at the Kolbe Foundation and undergo psychiatric evaluations every six months, with the results submitted to the court.
However, Justice Nanton noted on Friday that those periodic reviews had not been carried out as ordered, raising questions about why the court’s instructions were not followed.
Although a psychiatric assessment was conducted in June 2026, the judge found it insufficient because it failed to address whether White was currently fit to enter a plea or stand trial.
A further evaluation has now been ordered, with the psychiatrist given until October 20 to complete the assessment and until October 27 for the report to be filed with the court.
Justice Nanton acknowledged that several difficult questions remain, particularly if White continues to be found unfit to stand trial. These include whether he should remain at the Belize Central Prison, be transferred to another suitable facility or be released into the care of his family.
During an earlier hearing in September, White’s sister, Priscilla White, expressed willingness to accommodate him at the family home and ensure he receives his medication. However, the court must also consider his safety, access to treatment and any potential risk to the public.
White is accused of the July 29, 2020 murder of William Rubio, who was fatally stabbed during an altercation near the Pound Yard Bridge in Belize City.
During the original competency proceedings in 2024, government psychiatrist Dr. Alejandro Matus testified that White had undergone four psychiatric assessments and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The doctor indicated that White would require lifelong treatment and was unlikely to become fit to stand trial.
Justice Nanton has ordered Crown Counsel Glenfield Dennison to file the prosecution’s written submissions by November 5, while the defense must file its submissions by November 12.
The matter has been adjourned to November 16, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the psychiatric findings and arguments from both sides before determining the way forward.
White has not been convicted of Rubio’s murder, and his fitness to stand trial remains unresolved.
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