High Court Judge Justice Colin Williams has denied the state’s request to revoke the bail of double-murder-accused, American-born Jonathan Lehrer.
Lehrer and his accomplice Robert Snider Jr. have been remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison following a charge of murder preferred against them by the police. It is alleged that between November 29, 2023, and December 2, 2023, at Bois Cotlette in Soufriere, Lehrer and Snider Jr, did murder eco-resort owners Daniel Langlois and his wife Dominique Marchand.
On November 26, 2024, bail was opened for Lehrer in the amount of $1 million with 15 conditions. One of those conditions requires Lehrer to revoke his US citizenship.
Lehrer’s attorneys had applied for bail on the grounds of a medical issue relating to his deteriorating health and inhumane conditions at the state prison. The state prosecution responded to the application, giving reasons why bail ought to be denied, and the judge delivered his decision this morning at the High Court in Roseau.
The state filed an application last week in order to revoke Lehrer’s bail, however following a court ruling on Monday, December 16, 2024, Justice Williams denied the application awarding the amount of EC$7,500 against the state.
On December 1, 2023, police discovered the charred remains of two individuals in a vehicle in the Soufriere area at about 7:00 AM, believed to be those of French Canadians Langlois and Marchand, who had been reported as missing.
The burnt vehicle discovered also aligned with the description of the couple’s car, police sources further revealed. Unfortunately, extreme fire conditions rendered the bodies unidentifiable, compelling investigators to rely on circumstantial evidence linking them to the missing couple.
Lehrer and Snider Jr. are expected to return to the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau for the preliminary inquiry on February 10, 2025.
OK I get Lehrer has been granted bail for $1 million EC with 15 strict conditions, including the revocation of his U.S. citizenship. Bail was granted based on medical issues and claims of inhumane conditions in prison.
This case raises serious concerns about justice being served, particularly with the severity of the charges and the granting of bail. Despite strict conditions, risks remain, including flight, witness tampering, or non-compliance. The reliance on circumstantial evidence and the international dimensions of the case add further complexity.
Significant legal, ethical, and public safety considerations are involved here. Balancing Lehrer’s rights (such as addressing medical and humane treatment concerns) with the need for justice and public safety is crucial.
To ensure justice, authorities must enforce stringent monitoring, prevent any interference, and expedite the legal process to maintain public confidence in Dominica’s judicial system.
What exactly is the story? Has he been released on bail? I don’t understand the headline. Judge denies prosecution request for bail revokation? Is it that bail has been granted?
Well you can only revoke (a verb) something ; such as wills, licenses, privileges..etc if it is already in place. I hope this helps you answer your last question.
I would like the perpetrator(s) of the double murder to be summarily executed if found guilty by a jury. They have definitely forfeited their right to live among other human beings. This act was inhuman.
Having said that, despite how emotionally difficult it might be for many of us, the judge is guided by the law not emotion. Apparently, the evidence or lack thereof, that was given to the court, is not compelling enough to deny this man bail. The law can be an ass sometimes but we have to follow it otherwise we will have a lawless society where anarchy reigns.
Really tough to accept the judge’s decision but who expects life to be without trials and tribulations.
@ ibo France, the law you speak of must be applied justly not based money. There a people who have been charged for lesser crimes and have been denied bail and are presently awaiting their day in court from a cell, is this justice?
money can make de devil dance
i don’t trust that judge
Is the judge working in the interest of justice? Granting bail to an accused double murderer is worrisome, the accused can also be allowed to leave the state with no guarantee that he will return. And what’s this rubbish about giving up his us citizenship, once he puts his foot on us soil he will not return to Dominica, there presently exist no extradition arrangement between Dominica and the US. Every Dominican accused of a crime and in detention should be granted bail with minimal conditions.
Lord have Mercy!!!
So imprisoned without trial for over one year. Dominichina.
This guy Rayburn(a very good friend)just did not learn from me.He is entitled to his opinion,but as the minister of national security,he should never have said what he said in public.Let the court decide.