Bail and promises of justice: The case of Canadians Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand murdered in Dominica
A year has passed since Canadians Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand were found dead in a burned-out car in Dominica, and there has yet to be justice for the philanthropists who were beloved by many on the island.
A judge concluded last week it is difficult to know when a case in the matter will get to trial.
In a ruling issued on Nov. 26, High Court Justice Colin Williams criticized the prosecution against Jonathan Lehrer, an American accused of the murders. In a ruling granting Lehrer bail, Williams rebuked investigators and prosecutors for extensive legal delays and for misrepresenting evidence.
In his decision allowing Lehrer’s release from prison as he awaits trial in Dominica, Williams wrote that “Based on the disclosed evidence, the strength appears to favour the Claimant (Lehrer).”
This was Lehrer’s second attempt at securing bail.
Lehrer and another American, Robert Snyder Jr., were detained days after the bodies were found, and both were charged with murder in December 2023. In the weeks that followed the arrests, local police sought to reassure those living near Coulibri Ridge, an eco-resort Langlois and Marchand owned in the south of the island.
“We believe that there is sufficient evidence to afford the charge and pursue the conviction of the suspects,” acting police chief of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force Valerie Davidson told CTV News nearly three months after the killings. “We will not relent until we bring these perpetrators to justice. We want to show our visitors that we care about them.”
But Williams’ review of the case pointed to lapses by police and prosecutors.
“The Claimant (Lehrer) has successfully challenged the fundamental premises which informed the refusal of bail at the first sitting, that is, a timely hearing of the matter and the quality of the evidence against the claimant,” Williams writes. That, says the ruling, is in addition to health concerns Lehrer raised, saying his condition has deteriorated in prison, and that he needs prostate treatment outside of Dominica.
The judge noted that had the trial proceeded in a timely matter, it would have been completed by now. Some of the delays were due to DNA, ballistic and forensic evidence that have to be analyzed in labs outside Dominica. But Williams writes that police and the prosecution “flagrantly disregarded” disclosure deadlines issued by court order.
In his submission, Lehrer’s legal team wrote that police and prosecution “misled the Honourable Court” by saying they had obtained “overwhelming proof” against him including eyewitness and circumstantial evidence.
In his response, the judge concluded: “The classification of the ‘compelling eyewitness evidence’ used by ACP James (lead investigator) at the previous hearing certainly strains and stretches that term. The disclosed evidence does not reach the legal threshold of eyewitness evidence. Neither does the scientific evidence report the police possess affirmatively tie the Claimant (Lehrer) to the offence.”
Police photos of Jonathan Lehrer (left) and Robert Snyder Jr. (Supplied)
Dominica National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said that while he acknowledges the independence of the court, he is “totally opposed” to the granting of bail. He said, “… there is a consensus within society that certain crimes, because of the brutality involved, are very serious and therefore must be dealt with in the most serious manner by the court.”
Blackmoore also vowed justice would be brought to the case.
“The state will continue to provide all the resources needed to ensure that this matter is properly prosecuted, and justice is not only seen to be done but will be done.”
Many on the island of Dominica, where attention to this case has been extensive, took to social media, some expressing outrage at the judicial process.
“No justice at all for the beloved victims who did much for Dom (Dominica)! Can’t the Canadian government do anything?” reads one post.
Langlois was a special effects pioneer who founded Softimage, known for its 3D computer animations. He and his longtime partner Marchand fell in love with the island in 1997, noting on their resort’s website that they were charmed by the “island’s natural beauty”.
That inspired them to open Coulibri Ridge, a luxury eco-resort. They also helped rebuild the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which swept through in 2017 destroying schools, businesses and homes.
The couple’s neighbour was Lehrer, a millionaire who owns an 18th-century cocoa plantation called Bois Cotlette.
Lehrer and Langlois were involved in a legal feud over a road that ran between their properties.
Lehrer is still currently behind bars, and it is unclear when he will be released.
The court imposed fifteen conditions for his bail, including revoking his American citizenship before being allowed to travel out of Dominica, and that a GPS tracker be installed when he leaves the country, which he would be permitted to do for medical purposes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta premier talks about 'tariff-free relationship' with the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump went well, but the leader's tariff threat has not been averted.
Canada and U.S. warships join forces in South China Sea through contested waters
The United States Navy's USS Higgins joined HMCS Ottawa in the South China Sea, near the contested Scarborough Shoal, on Thursday. The two warships travelled south together towards the Spratly Islands – a number of which China has militarized.
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
Canada Post stamps just got more expensive
Canada Post is raising the price of stamps, starting today. Stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane will cost 25 cents more at $1.24 per stamp. The price of a single domestic stamp is now $1.44, up from $1.15.
Minister makes first trip to Syrian border area after Assad regime ends
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen and MP Omar Alghabra have made the first Canadian delegation visit to the border region of Turkey and Syria since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.
Weekend announcements narrow field of high-profile Liberal leadership prospects
As a race to elect a new Liberal leader quickly approaches, a high-profile candidate appears set to throw their hat into the ring.
BREAKING Teenager stabbed during altercation inside Hillcrest High School
Two people were seriously injured during an altercation at an Ottawa high school on Monday morning.
Ottawa driver's Jaguar SUV held for months during dispute between tow truck company, insurance provider
An Ottawa driver is speaking out after her vehicle was towed from a crash scene in early November and held for months during a dispute between a local tow truck company and insurance provider.
Canadians' financial stress ramping up despite interest rate cuts: insolvency firm
Half of Canadians are $200 or less away from being unable to cover their monthly bills and debt payments, according to MNP Ltd.'s quarterly report on consumer debt.
Local Spotlight
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
'I didn't want to go cold turkey:' Environment Canada's David Phillips on why he keeps working after retirement
When Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips retired this past September, he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
'One-of-a-kind' fire-breathing dragon sculpture takes over Winnipeg yard
A Winnipeg sculptor’s latest creation could also double as a house guard.
'Really unique': Ice core drilled by U of M scientist could unlock climate history
A Manitoba researcher was part of a historic research team that uncovered the oldest ice core ever retrieved.
'Loving each other, building memories:' B.C. couple facing life-threatening illnesses cherishes every day
Hayley and Bill Atkinson’s love story begins that night he abruptly left in the middle of playing a card game with friends, and didn’t return for a long time.
Long live the King: N.B. tribute artist to honour Elvis' 90th birthday with special performance
Though it has been nearly five decades since Elvis' death, his music and influence continue to inspire fans around the world, including tribute artist Thane Dunn of Moncton, N.B.