In an image released by the Daniel Langlois Foundation, Daniel Langlois, 66, and Dominique Marchand, 58, are featured. The director of public prosecutions in Dominica has officially announced the charging of two individuals, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider, both Americans, in connection with the killings. The charges were filed on Wednesday. The provided photograph is undated.


December 8, 2023

Two individuals have been formally accused in connection with the tragic demise of Quebec-born film entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner in the Caribbean nation of Dominica, as confirmed by the country's director of public prosecutions, Sherma Dalrymple, during a news briefing on Thursday.

Dalrymple revealed that Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider were charged on Wednesday with the murders of Langlois and his partner, Dominique Marchand. Although the accused appeared in court, they have not yet entered a plea, and a preliminary inquiry is scheduled for March 15.

The lifeless bodies of Langlois, aged 66, and Marchand, aged 58, were discovered last Friday inside a burnt-out car near the upscale resort they owned in Dominica, a small volcanic island situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique.

At the news conference, Police spokesman Jeoffrey James disclosed that three arrests were made after officers visited a property near what investigators believe to be "a secondary crime scene." Subsequently, a fourth person was taken into custody. The status of potential charges for the other two individuals arrested remains unclear, but James affirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Court records indicate a longstanding dispute between Lehrer and Langlois concerning using a public road that crossed Lehrer's property, leading to the Quebec couple's luxury ecotourism resort, then under construction.

Lehrer, identified as a property owner and chocolate producer, reportedly obstructed Morne Rouge Public Road in October 2018, using a trench and boulders to block access. Langlois took legal action, seeking a permanent injunction to open the road. The initial injunction was granted in 2018, and in 2019, an Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judge mandated the road's reopening for Langlois' employees and guests.

Langlois, a respected businessman and founder of Softimage, a company integral to 3D technology in films like "Jurassic Park," "Titanic," and "Lord of the Rings," later established a foundation supporting arts and technology. He was actively involved in charitable efforts aiding Dominica's recovery from national disasters.

In 2022, Langlois and Marchand inaugurated Coulibri Ridge, a luxury hotel in Dominica branded as an "eco-retreat."

During Lehrer and Snider's arraignment on Wednesday, local reports indicated that outraged residents gathered outside the courthouse in Roseau, praising Langlois for his contributions and generosity towards the community. Questions arose about the impact of his loss on their collective future.

On Thursday, friends and community members in Dominica assembled for a memorial sunset paddle and a candlelight vigil. Participants on kayaks raised their paddles in unison, with flowers symbolically cast into the water during the tribute. A live-streamed event on social media included a minute of silence at sunset.

Simon Walsh, a couple's friend, characterized the gathering in a Facebook post as a "tribute" and a "positive moment," acknowledging the couple's affection for Dominica and the nearby village of Soufriere, where their resort was located.

This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on December 7, 2023.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Senate Votes To End Trump-Era Canada Tariffs With Bipartisan Support

Several Republican senators joined Democrats to stop Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The vote, held in the Senate, was a....

Webb Telescope Captures Images Of Asteroid Once Seen As A Threat

The Webb Space Telescope has captured images of asteroid 2024 YR4, which once sparked concern when scientists thought it might....

Liberals Hold 8-Point Lead Over Conservatives In New Nanos Poll

The federal Liberals continue to hold an eight-point lead over the Conservatives as the election campaign reaches its 11th day.....

Carney Reconsiders Buying U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets

Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviewing Canada’s decision to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets, each costing $85 million. The government....

Canada Vows Strong Response To Trump Tariffs, Says Carney

U.S. President Donald Trump declared a major tariff plan on what he called “Liberation Day” on Wednesday. The new policy....

Toronto Police Union Calls For Action After Stabbing Suspect Released On Bail

Toronto’s police union is raising concerns after learning that the suspect in three recent random stabbings had previously been released....

Conservatives Drop Montreal Candidate Over Social Media Posts

A Conservative Party candidate in Montreal has been removed after posts he made on social media. Stefan Marquis, who was....

Man Shot And Killed In Car At Busy Brampton Plaza, Police Say

A man lost his life after being shot while sitting in a vehicle at a crowded Brampton plaza on Tuesday....

Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech Criticizing Trump

Senator Cory Booker made history with a 25-hour speech in the Senate, setting a new record while speaking against former....

Poilievre Faces Backlash For Comments On 'Biological Clocks'

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing criticism for comments about young people struggling to buy homes before their "biological clocks"....

Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Despite Musk’s Push

Susan Crawford has won a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, securing a key victory for liberals. She defeated....

Windsor-Essex May See Up To 50mm Of Rainfall Soon, Flood Watch Issued

Environment Canada has issued a warning about heavy rain expected this week. Forecasters say rainfall could reach 30 to 50....