SAN FRANCISCO — The family of Corazon Dandan, an elderly Filipino-American who died after being pushed toward an oncoming train, is calling for justice following the suspect's failure to appear at his arraignment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the arraignment of 49-year-old suspect Trevor Belmont was suspended when he did not show up for his court date on July 5. Reports indicate that Belmont, who is described as mentally ill and homeless, was hospitalized at the time of the hearing. The victim’s nephew, Alvin Dandan, expressed mixed feelings about pursuing justice given the suspect's mental health. "Of course, we want justice to be served but the reality is, at least, from my standpoint he's a mentally ill person. I don't really know what kind of justice you're going to get," Alvin Dandan told ABS-CBN News. He highlighted the complexities of seeking retribution, noting that incarcerating a mentally ill individual wouldn't bring his aunt back or resolve the underlying issues.
Corazon Dandan, 74, was tragically killed when Belmont reportedly pushed her just as a train was arriving at the Bay Area Rapid Transit's Powell Street Station, causing severe head injuries that led to her death. She had been a resident of San Francisco since the 1980s and worked as a telephone operator at a downtown hotel for 29 years, continuing her role beyond retirement age. Although she had no children, she played a significant role in supporting her extended family, including putting her nephews and nieces through school.