Dominica: American nationals charged with hoteliers murder

Two American nationals are due to appear in a magistrate’s court on Wednesday in connection with the murders of Canadian born hoteliers, Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchard, whose charred remains were found in a burnt-out vehicle last Friday.

Police said that Jonathan Lehrer, the owner of Bois Cutlette estate, one of the oldest estates in Dominica, and Robert Snider of Pittsburg, Florida, will make their first court appearance before a Roseau Magistrate where the charge of “murder” will be read to them.

Lehrer, 57 years, along with his wife and Snider and one Dominican national were assisting the police in their investigations into the murders that shocked the south west community of Sourfriere, where Langlois and Marchand, owned and operated the Coulibri Ridge Resort.

Police said that the two hoteliers were “ambushed” by a hit man who killed them and then set their car on fire.

Media reports said that Langlois and Lehrer had been involved in a dispute over the usage of the Morne Rouge Public Road, which passes through the Bois Cutlette estate. In 2019, the OECS Supreme Court ruled that the road was public and could be freely used by Langlois’ guests.

Residents of the twin communities of Soufriere and Gallion have expressed “shock and anger” at what they described as the “brutal and heartless” killing of “two community icons.”

Chief executive officer of state owned Discover Dominica Authority, Colin Piper, said the death of the two hoteliers “leaves an irreplaceable void not only in our lives but also in the heart of Dominica and the global sustainable tourism community.

“Daniel and Dominique were more than just pioneers; they were visionaries who dared to dream of a balance between luxury and sustainability. Their passion and commitment to this cause transformed Coulibri Ridge into a beacon of green tourism, earning them global recognition and a host of accolades. Their legacy has set a benchmark for others to aspire to,” he said.

Piper said that the government takes every incident involving its citizens, residents, and visitors to the island very seriously.

“It appears that this was an isolated incident, the local authorities are actively investigating, and suspected individuals have been apprehended and are currently in custody. Despite this occurrence, Dominica remains a safe place to live, work, and visit,” he added.