Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that he has permitted “a special prosecutor” to be appointed to oversee the prosecution of the high-profile case involving American-born and owner of the Bois Cotlette, Jonathan Lehrer, and his accomplice Robert Thomas Synder Jr.
The two men have been charged with the double murder of the French Canadians Dominique Marchand and Daniel Langlois the owners of Coulibri Ridge Resort.
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. after they went missing the day before. The burnt vehicle also aligned with the description of the missing couple, police sources revealed.
They appeared before Chief Magistrate Candia Carette George in the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau on Wednesday, December 6, where the charges of murder were read to them and then remanded in custody at the State’s Prison in Stock Farm.
During a press conference on December 20, 2023, Prime Minister Skerrit in his first public statement on the matter had this to say, “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…May their souls rest in peace.”
“I commend the Dominica police for their professional approach to the investigations thus far…I have every confidence in the justice system to administer this matter fairly and above board,” he said.
“Let us avoid wild speculations and spreading false information which can do more harm than good…I have also directed that a Special Prosecutor be brought in to help prosecute this case to ensure greater possibilities of success,” Skerrit stated.
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 discussing this matter.
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.
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 stood 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.
He also dismissed suggestions that he was closely associated with the accused murderer Jonathan. “I have never shared a cup of coffee with him…so for people to suggest otherwise is false, the government continues to maintain, that the road in question is a public road and remains so,” he said.