The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, marked a dark chapter in Haiti’s history, leaving the nation and the international community in shock. As investigations unfolded, a complex web of individuals, spanning multiple countries, emerged as suspects in this tragic event. Below is a closer look at some of the key figures implicated in the assassination plot.
Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-born doctor based in Florida, is alleged to be one of the masterminds behind the assassination. Sanon reportedly had political ambitions, with aspirations to become Haiti’s next president. His arrest brought to light the intricate connections between the various parties involved.
A retired Colombian military officer, Mario Antonio Palacios, was identified as one of the mercenaries who stormed President Moïse’s residence. Palacios was apprehended and later extradited to the United States, where he faces charges in connection with the assassination.
James Solages and Joseph Vincent, both Haitian-Americans residing in Florida, were among the first suspects arrested following the assassination. Solages, who has claimed to be a part of the plot to arrest, not kill, Moïse, has raised questions about the true intent behind the mission. Vincent, similarly, has maintained that the plan was not to assassinate the president.
Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian businessman with significant influence, was apprehended in the Dominican Republic. He is believed to have played a financial role in supporting the assassination plot, further complicating the investigation into the motives and backers of the plot.
Antonio Intriago, a Venezuelan-American, is the owner of CTU Security, a Florida-based security firm allegedly responsible for recruiting the mercenaries involved in the assassination. His role has sparked concerns about the international dimensions of the plot.
Another retired Colombian military officer, Germán Rivera García, was identified as one of the leaders among the group of mercenaries. His involvement underscores the significant presence of foreign nationals in the execution of the assassination.
Dimitri Hérard and Jean Laguel Civil
On the night of the assassination, serious questions arose regarding the security measures in place. Dimitri Hérard, the head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace, and Jean Laguel Civil, the coordinator of presidential security, were both arrested and implicated in the assassination due to alleged lapses and potential complicity.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
The assassination of President Moïse has prompted widespread international investigations, revealing the deep and complex networks involved in this heinous crime. While these key figures have been implicated, the investigation is ongoing, and new developments continue to emerge. The case remains one of the most significant in recent Haitian history, raising concerns about national security, political instability, and the influence of foreign actors in the region.
As the world watches closely, the Haitian government and international authorities are under immense pressure to bring all those responsible to justice and to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.
WERE ARE THEY NOW?
- Christian Emmanuel Sanon – Arrested in Haiti shortly after the assassination. He remains in custody in Haiti.
- Mario Antonio Palacios – Arrested and extradited to the United States, where he faces charges related to the assassination. He is currently in custody.
- James Solages and Joseph Vincent – Both were arrested in Haiti soon after the assassination. They are currently in custody in Haiti.
- Rodolphe Jaar – Arrested in the Dominican Republic and later extradited to the United States. He is currently in custody in the U.S.
- Antonio Intriago – As of the latest updates, Intriago has not been reported as arrested, though he is implicated in the case and is likely under investigation.
- Germán Rivera García – Arrested in Haiti along with other former Colombian soldiers who were allegedly involved in the assassination. He remains in custody in Haiti.
- Dimitri Hérard and Jean Laguel Civil – Both were arrested in Haiti. They remain in custody and are under investigation for their potential roles in the assassination.
