71-Year-Old Man Fined for Machete Attack on Daughter During Family Dispute

Jeffery McKoy, a 71-year-old father, was convicted today in Belize City Magistrate’s Court for wounding his 47-year-old daughter, Thresia Mitchell. The incident, stemming from a family dispute, occurred on July 12 in Flowers Bank Village.  McKoy, who was unrepresented, initially offered a “guilty with a cause” plea, claiming self-defense after his daughter allegedly attacked him. However, after Magistrate Ludlow Black clarified the implications of a self-defense plea, McKoy changed his plea to guilty, accepting responsibility for his actions.  According to police reports, Mitchell stated her father, seemingly under the influence, initiated an argument at their home. When she attempted to leave, he allegedly prevented her, then grabbed a machete and threatened her before striking her left forearm, causing a large chop wound. Mitchell sustained a significant cut wound to her hand and required hospital treatment.  In sentencing, Magistrate Black considered McKoy’s early guilty plea, his lack of prior offenses of this nature, and his acceptance of responsibility. However, the aggravating factor was the victim being his own daughter and the resulting injury. Due to McKoy’s age and being a first-time offender for this type of crime, he was fined $400 plus a $5 court cost. McKoy was also bound over to keep the peace for one year.