Two individuals from the United States have been accused of committing the crime of murder against a Canadian businessman and his significant other in the Caribbean nation of Dominica.
Local authorities announced that two US citizens have been charged with murder this week in connection with the passing of renowned animation innovator and Quebec humanitarian, Daniel Langlois, and their significant other on Dominica.
Officials reported that the remains of Langlois and Dominique Marchand, who had been unaccounted for for multiple days, were discovered burnt in a vehicle on Friday near Gallion, located in the southern region of a small Caribbean island. The couple owned a hotel on the island.
Daniel Langlois Foundation
The Dominica police spokesperson informed AFP that Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snider, both US citizens, have been arrested for the crime of murder and are currently being held in custody.
According to the BBC, Langlois and Marchand owned and ran Coulibri Ridge, a 200-acre environmentally friendly resort.
According to court records, the BBC reported that Lehrer was engaged in a prolonged disagreement regarding the utilization of a road that provided access to the eco-resort owned by the couple.
During an interview with Le Journal de Montreal, Robert Lehrer, the father of Lehrer, stated that he had faith in his son’s innocence.
The newspaper was informed that Jonathan is a prosperous entrepreneur, not someone who commits murder. The speaker expressed their close relationship with Jonathan and their disbelief that he could be capable of violence.
According to police investigator Jeoffrey James, a third individual was detained but not formally accused. The investigation is still in progress.
He stated that the team is still actively working and committed to ensuring that justice is served in this particular issue.
Langlois became wealthy by creating innovative 3D animation software for his own company, Softimage. This software was utilized in popular Hollywood films like “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” and “The Matrix.”
According to his foundation’s website, in 1994 he sold his company to Microsoft and three years later received a scientific and technical Oscar. The website also verified the passing of Langlois and Marchand.
Dominican officials have sought the assistance of outside investigators to aid in the investigation, including conducting DNA and forensic analysis of collected evidence. They have also been in communication with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Canadian authorities have acknowledged the ongoing investigation in Dominica and emphasized their collaboration with international counterparts. However, they have stated that they will not provide any details regarding specific criminal probes in other countries.
According to authorities, the victims’ remains were discovered in a vehicle that was ablaze last week.
“We sympathize with the family and friends of the deceased [and] the employees of the eco-resort,” James said, adding that the police “understand the level of public interest, both locally and in the international community.”
The Dominica tourism board expressed their sorrow on Friday regarding the passing of Langlois and Marchand.
According to Discover Dominica, Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand were forward-thinking individuals who established a harmonious relationship between opulence and eco-friendliness. Their dedication and enthusiasm for this mission turned Coulibri Ridge into a model for green tourism, setting a high standard for others to follow. Their passing has created an irreplaceable emptiness not just in our personal lives but also in the hearts of the people of Dominica and the worldwide sustainable tourism community.
The report was contributed to by The Associated Press.
Source: cbsnews.com