American Couple Accused of Child Cruelty David and Anke Doehm Back to Court

After a month's adjournment, Americans David and Anke Doehm went back to Magistrate's Court today for the continuation of the case against them for the charge of cruelty of to a child.

They're waiting for the prosecution to provide them with the rest of the evidence which will be used to prove that they are criminally responsible for the death of their 13 year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon.

At the last hearing, Crown Counsel Jacqueline Willoughby informed the court that the prosecution was waiting for the results of forensic tests which will make up part of the evidence the Doehm's will have to face. There was an undertaking that if those results were ready, they would be disclosed to the defendants on today's date, if not, the case would be adjourned to a further date to allow for more time.

So, when the Doehm couple showed up before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer today, they were informed that the prosecution is being allowed another adjournment until October 17.

Those forensic tests are still not ready, so after being given their new date that they must return, they left the courtroom - still on bail.

The DPP's Office intends to prosecute them for the high-profile and very questionable death of their daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, on San Pedro on July 3. Police found out about her death when the couple called them to their condominium on Northern Ambergris Caye.

Their explanation to police was that she woke up about 7 o'clock that morning, asked for water, and went back to bed. David Doehm reportedly went to check on her and found her unresponsive. Anke Doehm told police that she suffered from mental illness, and that she had episodes where she would hit her head against a wall. Anke Doehm also claimed that she was refusing to eat for 3 weeks.

Contrary to the mother's statement to police, a post-mortem conducted on Faye's body indicated that she was physically and sexually abused.

At this time, the prosecution has already submitted 24 witness statements to the court, which will be used against them.

Channel 7

Doehms' court case once again adjourned
The 'Cruelty to a Child' case against American couple David and Anke Doehm continued on Wednesday, September 20th when they returned to the Magistrate Court in Belize City. The prosecution was expected to provide the rest of the evidence, which seeks to prove that the duo is criminally liable for the death of Anke's adoptive daughter Faye Lin Cannon. That evidence, which includes results from forensic tests, was not ready to be disclosed, and as such, the case was adjourned until October 17th. After being in police custody for a few weeks, they were each granted bail of $10,000BZ, which they met, and were then set free. Under the terms of the bail, the couple is to report to the Queen Street Police Station every Monday, in Belize City, while the murder investigation continues. A preliminary inquiry is set for October 5th in San Pedro Town. However, since the forensic evidence is not available as yet, it is not certain if that date will change.