More psych tests for man who allegedly burned down his home

A man accused of setting his own five-bedroom home ablaze is now facing another round of psychiatric testing as the court moves cautiously to determine whether he is mentally fit to answer to the charge.

Fifty-two-year-old Albert Wayne Buchanan, who is described as being of unsound mind, appeared in the St Catherine Parish Court on January 27, 2026, where the judge ordered that a further psychiatric evaluation be conducted to assess his fitness to plead. Buchanan is charged with arson.

When the matter was called up, the court was presented with a medical certificate indicating that Buchanan is suffering from a mental condition. As a result, he was remanded pending the outcome of the additional assessment.

According to police allegations, the incident occurred at about 3:50 pm on September 23, 2025, at 11th Avenue, 3-North, Greater Portmore, St Catherine. Investigators say Buchanan was alone at home when he allegedly used a lighter to set fire to the five-bedroom concrete house, which was extensively damaged by the blaze.

The matter was reported to the Portmore police, who launched an investigation that later led to Buchanan's arrest. He was subsequently charged with arson.

The case remains before the court as authorities await the results of the psychiatric evaluation.

- Rasbert Turner

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