Chocolate Scion Hired Hitman to Murder Luxury Resort Owner and Wife on Island of Dominica, Police Say

A chocolate scion is suspected of hiring a hitman to murder a missing luxury resort owner and his wife in an ambush-style killing on the Caribbean island of Dominica, say police.

Bois Cotlette owner Jonathan Lehrer of New Jersey and accomplice Robert Snyder were charged with murder in connection with the deaths of Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his wife Dominique Marchand, according to police, Dominica News Online reported.

Lehrer and Snyder appeared in court on Wednesday. Neither entered a plea to the charges, according to CBC News.

Lehrer’s American wife and another person were also arrested in connection with the alleged murders. It’s unclear what charges they may face.

The charred remains of Langlois – an innovator in the world of 3D animation — and Marchand were found Dec. 1 in a burned out car in Gallion, Dominica, a few days after they were reported missing.

Although the scorched bodies were deemed unrecognizable, police allege circumstantial evidence indicated the remains are of the couple.

Prior to opening their luxury eco-resort, Coulibri Ridge, last year, the victims were entangled in a legal dispute with Lehrer over use of a public road that reportedly passed through the chocolate tycoon’s 300-acre estate, according to CBC.

A judge ruled in favor of Langlois, allowing resort guests access to the road.

Attorneys Wayne Norde and Lennox Lawrence, who are representing the defendants, did not immediately respond to The Messenger’s request for comment.