Firestarter: Maskall woman burns down boyfriend’s home after removing all her stuff; Charged for arson

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 21-year-old Maskall Village woman has been charged with arson following a fire that destroyed the home she shared with her boyfriend.

Vayda Ashanti August, an unemployed labourer, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 3, where she was arraigned on a single count of arson.

Police allege that on Saturday, August 1, August intentionally set fire to a 16-by-24-foot wooden and zinc house belonging to her 33-year-old boyfriend. The house and its contents were valued at approximately $35,000 and were completely destroyed.

According to the prosecution’s allegations, August and her boyfriend were separating, and a man had been hired to help her remove her belongings from the residence. After the items were loaded onto a pickup truck, August allegedly told the driver that she had set the house on fire.

The driver and other persons reportedly attempted to extinguish the blaze but were unsuccessful. August was later detained following a report made by Recinos.

No plea was taken because prosecutors are awaiting instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether the case will proceed summarily or on indictment.

August was granted bail of $10,000, along with two sureties of $5,000 each. She was ordered not to contact her ex or members of his family, remain at least 100 yards away from places he lives, works or frequently visits, and report to the Maskall Police Station every Wednesday.

She must also reside with her mother and notify the court of any change of address. August met bail later that afternoon and is scheduled to return to court on September 23, 2026.

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