Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Snider Jr., American-born residents of Dominica, have been remanded to the Dominica State Prison on murder charges. The charges allege that between November 29 and December 2, 2023, in Bois Cotlette, Soufriere, they murdered eco-resort owners Daniel Langlois and his wife Dominique Marchand.
The accused appeared before Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George and were not required to enter a plea due to the nature of the charge. On December 1, 2023, police discovered charred remains in a vehicle in Soufriere, believed to be those of the missing French Canadian couple. The vehicle matched the description of Langlois and Marchand’s car. Due to the condition of the bodies, identification required circumstantial evidence.
The police investigation initially included Lehrer, his wife, Snider, and a Dominican man, but only Lehrer and Snider Jr. were ultimately charged.
The case is rooted in a dispute between Langlois and Lehrer over the use of the Morne Rouge Public Road, which traverses Lehrer’s Bois Cotlette estate. Lehrer’s actions to block the road led to legal action from Langlois for damages and interference with economic interests. The High Court had previously issued orders against Lehrer to restore road access and confirmed its public status.
The local community, particularly from Soufriere and Scoots Head, showed strong support for the victims, gathering outside the courthouse to demand justice.
Attorneys Wayne Norde and Lennox Lawrence represent Lehrer and Snider. The Preliminary Inquiry in the matter is scheduled to begin on March 15, 2024.
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