Leslie Massey
In April 2024, Anke Doehm, a 63-year-old American national, was sentenced to five years in prison in Belize for cruelty to a child, in connection with the 2017 death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon. The court determined that Faye Lin was malnourished and had been abused sexually and physically, with her death resulting from internal injuries.
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Anke Doehm sentenced to five years in prison
Anke Doehm, a 63-year-old American national, was sentenced to five years in prison on April 17, 2024, at the High Court in Belize City. She was found guilty of cruelty to a child in connection to the 2017 death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon. The sentencing stated that Faye Lin had been sexually and physically abused and showed signs of malnourishment. Doehm must also enroll in rehabilitation programs in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving half of her sentence.
The tragic incident involving the abused teenager took place in San Pedro, Belize, in July 2017. Faye Lin was found dead in the bedroom of her family's apartment in Ambergris Caye, north of San Pedro Town. The initial claim by Doehm and her husband, David Doehm, that the child died of natural causes was quickly scrutinized. A comprehensive post-mortem examination revealed disturbing evidence of physical and sexual abuse, with death resulting from internal hemorrhaging caused by compression to the chest.
Following their arrest, the Doehms were released on bail and relocated to Belize City for safety and legal reasons. However, David Doehm committed suicide in October 2017, leaving Anke to face the charges alone. The trial began on February 21, 2024, and featured witnesses, including members of the Belize Police Department. On March 4, 2024, Justice Derick Sylvester summarized the case before a nine-member jury, which unanimously found Doehm guilty of the charge.
The conviction of Anke Doehm brings some closure to the tragic case that has captivated and horrified the public. The focus has also shifted to the welfare of Faye Lin's three younger sisters, who are now under the care of their legally adopted father, David Cannon, and residing in the United States. The case has highlighted issues of child welfare, justice, and the effectiveness of the legal system in Belize, with many advocating for justice for Faye Lin and a reevaluation of child protection protocols.
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Anke Doehm's husband, David Doehm, committed suicide
Following their arrest, the Doehms were released on bail and relocated to Belize City for safety and legal reasons. However, in October 2017, David Doehm was found dead in a hotel room, with a suicide note next to his bed. His death was ruled a suicide by the police, and Anke was left to face the charges alone.
The trial of Anke Doehm began in February 2024, and she was found guilty of cruelty to a child. She was sentenced to five years in prison and must enrol in rehabilitation programmes. The case has brought attention to issues of child welfare and the effectiveness of the legal system in Belize, with many advocating for justice for Faye and improved child protection protocols.
David Doehm's suicide left a profound impact on the legal proceedings, with Anke facing the charges alone. The trial's outcome was uncertain for several years, and the focus shifted to the welfare of Faye's three younger sisters, who were placed under the care of their legally adopted father, David Cannon, and relocated to the United States.
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Faye Lin Cannon's cause of death
On July 3, 2017, 13-year-old Faye Lin Cannon was found dead in her bedroom in her family's apartment in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Her adoptive parents, David and Anke Doehm, initially claimed that she died from natural causes, but a post-mortem examination revealed that she had been physically and sexually abused, and that her death was due to internal haemorrhaging from compression to the chest.
Faye's parents, David and Anke Doehm, were arrested and charged with cruelty to a child. They were granted bail and relocated to Belize City for their safety and to continue their court case. However, before the trial could conclude, David Doehm was found dead in a hotel room in Belize City on October 5, 2017. His death was ruled a suicide, leaving Anke Doehm alone to face the charges.
The case of Faye Lin Cannon's death shocked the nation of Belize and brought attention to issues of child welfare, justice, and the effectiveness of the legal system in the country. Faye's adoptive sisters were placed in the care of their legally adopted father, David Cannon, and they have since relocated to the United States.
The trial of Anke Doehm for cruelty to a child began in February 2024, almost seven years after Faye's death. The outcome of the trial is still pending.
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Anke Doehm's trial and conviction
Anke Doehm's trial for the death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, began on February 21, 2024, at the High Court in Belize City. Doehm faced a charge of 'Cruelty to a Child' after Faye Lin was found dead in her bedroom on July 3, 2017, in the family's apartment north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
The first day of the trial included testimonies from several witnesses, including two members of the Belize Police Department. One officer worked in forensics in San Pedro, while the other investigated the case on the island.
Anke and her husband, David Doehm, were initially arrested in July 2017 after a post-mortem examination revealed that Faye Lin had been physically and sexually abused, and her death was due to internal haemorrhaging from compression to the chest. The Doehms maintained that their daughter was mentally compromised and would often hit herself against the wall. However, residents and teachers on the island disputed these claims, stating that Faye Lin was a brilliant and healthy student.
Following their arrest, the Doehms were released on $10,000 bail each and relocated to Belize City. David Doehm committed suicide in October 2017, leaving Anke to face the charges alone. The trial was adjourned several times and was quiet for a while, with Anke living on the mainland and awaiting trial.
On March 4, 2024, Justice Derick Sylvester summarised the case before a nine-member jury. The jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding Doehm guilty of 'Cruelty to a Child'. She was sentenced to five years in prison and must enrol in rehabilitation programmes at the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison. She will be eligible for parole after serving half of her sentence.
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Faye Lin Cannon's siblings
Faye Lin Cannon's three younger sisters, Zoe, Mia, and Siri, were placed under the care of the Belize Human Services Department following the death of Faye. Their legally-adopted father, David Cannon, launched a custody battle for his daughters, and on December 20, 2017, he was granted full custody. The sisters then left Belize and relocated to the United States with their father.
The sisters were initially questioned about Faye's death, but were later cleared of any involvement. Their adoptive parents, David and Anke Doehm, were charged with cruelty to a child. While out on bail, David Doehm committed suicide in a hotel room in Belize City. Anke Doehm was found guilty of cruelty to a child and sentenced to five years in prison.
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Frequently asked questions
Anke Doehm was accused of cruelty to a child in connection with the 2017 death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Faye Lin Cannon had been physically and sexually abused, and that her death was caused by internal hemorrhaging from compression to the chest. She also showed signs of malnourishment.
Anke Doehm was found guilty of cruelty to a child and sentenced to five years in prison. She was also ordered to enroll in rehabilitation programs at the prison and will be eligible for parole after serving half of her sentence.
David Doehm was found dead in a hotel room in October 2017. His death was ruled a suicide.
Faye Lin Cannon's siblings were placed under the care of the Belize Human Services Department and later relocated to the United States with their legally adopted father, David Cannon.
