Dominica: PI into murder charges against 2 Americans adjourned to July

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder case against two United States nationals accused of murdering a prominent French-Canadian couple has been adjourned to July 16 this year, after one of the defendants tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr are accused of killing eco-resort owners Dominique Marchand and Daniel Langlois between November 29, 2023, and December 2, 2023, at Bois Cotlette in Soufriere, south west of Dominica. 

Their bodies were found in a burned-out car near their luxury resort. 

In December last year, Lehrer, the owner of Bois Cutlette estate, one of the oldest estates in Dominica, and Snider of Pittsburg, Florida, made their first court appearance before a Roseau Magistrate where the charge of “murder” was read to 

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

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

When the matter came up for hearing on Friday before the Chief Magistrate, Candia Carrette-George, the prosecution said that upon arrival at the Dominica State Prison (DSP) for the accused men, they were informed that “Snyder had tested positive for COVID-19 and Lehrer, his co-accused was undergoing testing”. 

Trinidad and Tobago attorney Keith Scotland, who appeared on behalf of the prosecution along with Dominica’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Sherma Dalrymple, said it is the intention of the state to proceed with the case through paper committal. 

Barbadian King Counsel, Andrew Pilgrim, who is a member of the defense team requested disclosure in the matter which the prosecution said would be available within eight to 10 weeks.