The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder case against US nationals Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr. has been adjourned to July 16, 2024, as one of the defendants has tested positive for COVID-19.
The pair are accused of murdering French Canadian couple and eco-resort owners Dominique Marchand and Daniel Langlois between November 29, 2023, and December 2, 2023, at Bois Cotlette in Soufriere.
When the matter returned to Court on March 15, 2024, for the start of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), Police prosecuting Sergeant Perdrina Dupigny told the Court that upon arrival at the Dominica State Prison (DSP) for the men, they were informed that “Snyder had tested positive for COVID-19 and Lehrer, his co-accused was undergoing testing since they are housed nearby.”
Trinidadian attorney Keith Scotland, who appeared on behalf of the prosecution along with Dominica’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Sherma Dalrymple informed the Court of their intention to proceed with the case through paper committal.
Barbadian Andrew Pilgrim KC who has joined the defense team requested disclosure in the matter which the prosecution stated will be available within 8 to 10 weeks.
Consequently, Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George adjourned the matter to July 16, 2024.