A special prosecutor is expected to arrive in Dominica to help prosecute the case involving the alleged homicide of French Canadians Dominique Marchand and Daniel Langlois, which occurred at Gallion.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed this during a press conference on Tuesday.
On December 1, 2023, police discovered the charred remains of Marchand and Langlois in a burnt vehicle at Gallion at about 7:00 a.m. Marchand and Langlois who had been reported missing were respected proprietors of the highly-regarded Coulibri Ridge Eco Resort. The burnt vehicle also aligned with the description of the missing couple, police sources revealed.
American-born and owner of the Bois Cotlette, Jonathan Lehrer, as well as his said accomplice Robert Snider Jr. were charged with the murder of Marchand and Langlois. They appeared before the Roseau Magistrate Court on Wednesday, December 6, where the charge of murder was read to them.
They were remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison following the charge of murder preferred against them by the police.
“I commend the Dominica police for their professional approach into the investigations thus far,” he said. “I have every confidence in the justice system to administer this matter fairly and above board.”
He continued, “I have seen no evidence so far to the contrary and I believe all involved have acted within the confines of the law and the highest degree of integrity.”
He urged all to be level-headed in their discussions of this matter.
“Let us avoid wild speculations and the spreading of false information which can do more harm than good,” Skerrit urged. “I have also directed that a special prosecutor will be brought in to help prosecute this case to ensure greater possibilities of success…”
Skerrit added, “May their souls rest in peace.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed shock as it relates to the occurrence of their death.
“The Government of Dominica and I personally are shocked and sad by this occurrence, the murder of Daniel and Dominique who were true friends of Dominica and contributed much to our country’s development, particularly in the Soufriere/Scotts Head area,” he said.
He went on to state that the communities of Soufriere, Scotts Head, and Gallion have benefited tremendously through the efforts of Marchand and Langlois.
“Through their efforts many were provided with jobs and the example of sustainable development serves as inspiration for us all in our pursuit of energy independence and a climate resilience agenda,” he stated.
In fact, the Prime Minister said, that after Hurricane Maria Daniel rebuilt the Soufriere Primary School and constructed the Scotts Head jetty.
He pointed out that Coulibri Ridge Eco Resort is a globally recognized luxury hotel which he knew was Dominique and Daniel’s pride and joy, “and also a source of pride for us all.”
“I was very happy that the government was able to recognize the contribution of Daniel to our country during our independence celebrations this year with a national award,” Skerrit stated.
Skerrit said his government stands in solidarity with their families and loved ones as well as the people of Soufriere, Scotts Head, and Gallion who were shattered by the deaths.
So, where is the evidence and what is the motive?
“The Government of Dominica and [ I ] personally are shocked and sad by this occurrence, the murder of Daniel and Dominique who were true friends.” What a piece of English, boy! I thought he was the government!!! So Daniel and Dominique were true friends?
Pure nonsense…that’s a delay tactic to protect their friend, just as they have special prosecutors dragging members of the opposition before their very corrupt court.
On the other hand we never know which top guns are behind the double murder as CBI passport dealers are similar to drug dealers in their business
My people don’t let his bla bla bla fool your head. He’s accustomed with bla bla bla ing and get his clappers to do his will. Clappers you are also affected by this coordinated heinous crime. So, take heed and keep your
hands in place. And as for this special prosecutor, he was ordered to do it and the order came from Trudeau. Not him. Question: Were the travel documents of those criminals taken from them as they did to Dr. Fontaine?
DNO…the story was about a special prosecutor coming on island to help with the case. You devoted one sentence to the story and everything else was about what we already knew.
Where is that special prosecutor coming from? Is he or she going to lead the prosecution of the case? What expertise does he/she have that we don’t possess on island? Was the special prosecutor offered as a service by the Canadian government?
This is the type of information we would like to get from whoever you sent to cover the press conference.
Besides the fact that we are getting a special prosecutor, the story does not really say much more.
I contend that the murder suspects felt emboldened and above the law because they broke the laws of the land with impunity. Imagine these guys placed huge boulders and dug deep trenches on a public roadway and the police were paralyzed to take action. Just imagine if Mr. Lennox Linton and a group of UWP had done this.
Crime flourishes when a government or the police authority compromises itself. The law should be applied even-handedly.